'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Wednesday night is going to be a gut-wrenching one for many football fans. Michael Ballack takes center stage for one final time in his footballing career. Having won four Bundesliga titles, three German Cups, three FA Cups and one Premier League title, this mid-field genius is all set to hang his boots tonight in Leipzig.
There’s no doubt that Ballack will go down in history as one of the greatest players in German football, and he leaves behind numerous, unforgettable memories for both, country and clubs he’s played for.
The one-time Germany captain will play his testimonial match tonight; alongside some of the most illustrate names in the sports industry. Ballack’s farewell game tonight will involve two teams – ‘The World XI’ and ‘Ballack and Friends’.
The final XI for each side have not been finalized as yet, but the potential players for each side are –
The World XI - Lehmann, Weidenfeller, Adebayor, Berbatov, R. Carvalho, Emerson, Essien, Matthäus, Malouda, Lahm, Nedved, Kuka, Schewtschenko, Mahdavikia and Drogba.
Their coach for the game will be Jose Mourinho.
Ballack and Friends - Adler, Buhler, Frings, Glöckner, Hamann, Hertzsch, Jancker, Kirsten, Klose, Marschall, Mertesacker, Neuendorf, Neuville, Salihamidzic, Schneider, Michael Schumacher, Schurrle, Sam, Tetzner, Wörns.
Their coach for the game will be Rudolf ‘Rudi’ Völler.
The evening has been termed as “Ciao Capitano. A world-class evening with Ballack & Friends”.
Joachim Low will also be present at the game; despite the falling out he had with Michael Ballack after his return from injury and was unfairly shown the door, which unceremoniously ended his national career.
Bastian Schweinsteiger went all out to show his support to Ballack insisting that he must have a farewell game. “He doesn’t get the credit he deserves, unfortunately. He did a great deal for German football. I saw him recently in Munich and he asked me if I would be keen on playing in a benefit match. If he invited me, and my club allowed me to, then I would love to.” Schweinsteiger told Kicker Magazine.
However, due to injury, Schweinsteiger will be missing this game, along with John Terry and Frank Lampard who are unfit too.
Michael Schumacher will be flown in a private jet to attend and participate in the farewell game. He is the only non-football player selected to play.
This is obviously a very emotional time for Michael Ballack, for now, he’s playing with and against old friends, and who knows when he might get this opportunity again. “I want to play a bit in both teams, but my fitness levels will decide that” – Ballack said this earlier in a press conference.
Both teams look equally strong, and we’re all looking forward to seeing Michael Ballack playing once again.
A small bit of prediction for the game –
The World XI has some of the best players and being coached by Jose Mourinho isn’t a small thing, however, it’s going to be Ballack and Friends that’ll steal the show. It’s all going to be about Michael Ballack, his brilliance and us saying one final adios to a footballing legend (for most of us)!
