Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has rejected suggestions that the international side could hold a friendly match for Michael Ballack.

Ballack, 36, announced his retirement from professional football earlier this month, bringing an international career of 98 caps to an end.

It had been claimed that the former Chelsea man would be offered two international matches in order to take his appearance number to 100, but Bierhoff believes that the 'time is over'.

"I personally believe that the time for a farewell match is over. First, we have few available dates. So, I see no chance," he told Express.de.

Ballack scored 42 goals for his country.

Written by
Matt Law