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Hamburg - Michael Ballack said on Wednesday that he is the captain of the German national team, dismissing ambitions from Philipp Lahm who stood in for him at the Soccer World Cup.
Lahm, who was made captain at the tournament in South Africa due to Ballack's injury-related absence, had said last week that he would not voluntarily hand back the armband.
But Ballack dismissed this idea at his formal presentation as Bayer Leverkusen player.
"This is no issue for me. I am the captain," said Ballack. "A player can't request on what position he wants to play - and it is the same with the captaincy. One should respect this, there are hierarchies."
Ballack added that Lahm's comments were "untimely." He said "the situation is clear. I was injured, but I am still captain," and added he will talk with Lahm when they meet again at the national team.
"It is not really serious, but we will touch the subject and then look ahead," he said.
Germany finished an impressive third at the World Cup. Lahm's comments sparked a debate about the future of Ballack as captain and whether he should return at all into the young and successful team. Ballack, 33, has said he wants to continue until Euro 2012.
Ballack also congratulated Lahm to his wedding which took place in Bavaria at the same time as his presentation in Leverkusen.
"I congratulate him and wish him all the best," said Ballack.Author: John Bagratuni
