Michael Ballack said goodbye to Leverkusen supporters (and the Bundesliga) one last time after Leverkusen’s final home match of the 2011/12 season.  

Germany’s unceremonious squad for the 2000 European championship included several out of form players and certain young players, like an 18 year old Sebastian Deisler (front left) and a 23 year old Michael Ballack who played on 64 minutes throughout the tournament (back row right).  Others pictured are Dariusz Wosz, Carsten Ramelow and Ulf Kirsten. 

Carsten Ramelow celebrating with Michael Ballack in the good old days for Bayer Leverkusen.  In 2002 their side were runners up in the league, Cup and the Champions League.  

A young Michael Ballack walks past the Champions League trophy after his side was beaten by Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid in the 2001/02 final. 

Jari Litmanen against a young Michael Ballack in an international match between Finland and Germany. 

Bayer Leverkusen’s Michael Ballack dodges a challenge from Real Madrid captain Fernando Hierra in the 2002 Champions League final. 

Two of the best footballers of the last 20 years, Michael Ballack and Bayern München met Dennis Bergkamp and Arsenal in the Round of 16 of the 2004/05 Champions League.  Arsenal won the second leg 1-0 but Bayern advanced 3-2 on aggregate.  

Six years after losing out with Bayer Leverkusen, Michael Ballack came second again as Chelsea lost to Manchester United on penalties in the 2007/08 Champions League final in Moscow, Russia.

Michael Ballack (Bayer Leverkusen) could only look on as Zinedie Zidane (Real Madrid) famously decided the 2001/02 Champions Leage final with a now legendary goal.  

Michael Ballack squaring off with Spain’s Carles Puyol in the 2008 European Championship final.