Michael Ballack

[b]Michael Ballack[/b] (born [b]September 26[/b], [b]1976[/b] in [b]Görlitz[/b], then [b]East [b]German[/b]y[/b]) is a [b]German[/b] [b]football[/b] player. He plays in central midfield for [b]Bayern Munich[/b] in the [b]German[/b] [b]Bundesliga[/b] as well as in the [b]German[/b] national team, which he has captained since 2004. Ballack was transferred to [b]Bayern Munich[/b] from [b]Bayer Leverkusen[/b] on [b]July 1[/b], [b]2002[/b], for an undisclosed amount. Before that, he played for [b]Kaiserslautern[/b].
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Ballack shone at the {{Wc|2002}}, in which he scored three goals, including the lone goals in the quarterfinal win over the [b]United States[/b] and, famously, in the semifinal win over [b]South Korea[/b], just after picking up a third booking, which meant he would miss the Final. Without him, Germany lost 2-0 against [b]Brazil[/b]. Ballack also played at {{Ec2|2000}} and {{Ec2|2004}}. Ballack is known for being a versatile and well-conditioned player,
equally at home in attack and defence, able to play in almost any
position in the midfield. He made his name as an attacking midfielder
with an eye for goal, but Bayern Munich have recently employed him in a
deeper role, where he has been able to direct play. He is regarded as
one of the most lethal headers in the world but is equally competent
with his powerful left and right feet. These attributes have earned him
the German player of the year award on three occasions (2002, 2003,
2005), a feat surpassed only by German legend [url=http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/franz-beckenbauer/]Franz Beckenbauer[/url],
who won the award four times. Accordingly, many experts consider him
the most complete footballer in the world today. As of 2005, he is one
of the prime German sports icons and the captain of the German national
team that is seeking World Cup glory on its home soil.Reports suggest that a move may be on the cards for Ballack, possibly to [b]Manchester United[/b]. A new contract at his club [b]Bayern Munich[/b], hasn't yet been agreed.A new suitor came to light for Michael Ballack's talents as it was announced by the [b]Sunday Express[/b] that [b]Arsenal[/b]'s [b]Arsène Wenger[/b] was willing to compete with Manchester United's [b]Sir Alex Ferguson[/b] in the [b]January[/b] [b]transfer window[/b].