DFB plan Ballack talks

DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach has stated that he is eager to re-build bridges with former Germany captain Michael Ballack.

The 35-year-old lost his place in Germany’s World Cup 2010 squad due to injury and was subsequently informed he was no longer in the plans of manager Joachim Loew.

Loew offered Ballack a farewell international in August’s friendly with Brazil, but the former Chelsea man refused the invitation.

Now Niersbach, who will soon become Germany Football Association president, is anxious to make amends with the veteran.

“The DFB has a strong interest in seeing that all parties come to terms with each other. There is still time to have talks with Michael,” Niersbach told Bild.

Ballack is set to depart Leverkusen at season’s end, with the midfielder tipped to finish his career in China.