Michael Ballack dismisses lawyer who claimed he 'couldn't afford' speeding fine

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has reportedly let go of his Spanish lawyer Jesus Gallego Rol, who claimed that the German did not have sufficient funds to pay for a speeding fine.

The 36-year-old was caught speeding 131mph down a motorway restricted to 75mph in Spain and was informed that he could face a two-year driving ban as well as an £8,000 fine.

The lawyer of the retired professional later claimed that Ballack was not earning a regular income and could therefore not afford the financial demand.

Following a backlash from the public, it is believed that Ballack has been forced to fire his lawyer and has insisted that he 'respects' the law, according to ESPN.

A statement released by Ballack said: "My Spanish lawyer had no order to argue unreasonably, like he apparently did.

"Therefore, I have released him from his mandate. It's understood I respect the Spanish law, the Spanish court and the verdict."

Ballack hung up his boots this summer after two years at Bayer Leverkusen.