Bayern Munich boss urges Ballack to quit

Injured Germany captain Michael Ballack was yesterday urged to retire by Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness and forget about leading Germany at Euro 2012. Ballack damaged ankle ligaments playing for Chelsea in last month's FA Cup final and will miss the World Cup in South Africa with Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm captaining the side in his absence.

The 33-year-old Ballack has said he intends on playing on until at least the next European Championships to be held in Poland and the Ukraine, but Hoeness has advised him to realise now is the time to quit.u00a0

"Even if he is a little bitter, you have to recognise when enough is enough," Hoeness said.