Schumacher, Ballack to play Frings farewell

Former seven-time Formula One world champion and ex-Germany football captain Michael Ballack are two of the stars set to play in Torsten Frings’ farewell match at Werder Bremen on September 7.

The 36-year-old Frings, who made 79 appearances for Germany and played in the 2002 World Cup final defeat to Brazil, retired in February, but will be joined by a host of stars at his farewell game. As well as Ballack and Schumacher, Lothar Matthaeus, who captained Germany to the 1990 World Cup win, is also set to play. “With this game, I want to say goodbye to all the people and thank those who always supported me in my career,” Frings told Sky Sports News.

Germany coach Joachim Loew, who controversially dropped Frings in October 2008, leading to a public fall out between the national coach and his then-captain Ballack, has also been invited. After 18 years as a professional, playing more than 400 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Bremen, Frings joined MLS side Toronto FC in 2011 before a hip injury forced him to retire. Frings will help coach the Werder Bremen reserves next season.