Michael Ballack Introduced At Bayer Leverkusen, Insists He’s Still Germany’s Captain

Michael Ballack was introduced today at his new club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with which he signed on June 25 to a two year contact after his contract at Chelsea expired. Ballack’s introduction marks his second tour of duty with Bayer 04. He was with the team from 1999-2002 and it was with the club that he first made his breakthrough.

At his introductory press conference, Ballack ruffled a few feathers when he claimed that the German captain’s armband still belonged to him. Ballack missed the World Cup with an ankle injury he suffered in the FA Cup Final against Portsmouth and Bayern Munich defender, Phillip Lahm, claimed the captain’s duties for the tournament.