Ballack to decide future after 2010 World Cup

Germany captain Michael Ballack, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday in three weeks, said on Thursday he will decide if he will continue playing after the World Cup in June next year.

"I will decide after the 2010 World Cup if I will continue playing or if I will stop," the Chelsea star told the Express newspaper while preparing for Saturday's friendly against South Africa in Leverkusen.

"I will continue as long as I enjoy it and still have ambitions in the sport."

Ballack, who played in the 2002 World Cup final and the semi-final of the 2006 tournament, has scored 41 goals in 93 appearances for Germany.