Ballack won't give up Germany armband to Lahm-espn

Ballack won't give up Germany armband to Lahm-espn

Injured Germany captain Michael Ballack has warned World Cup skipper Philipp Lahm he has no intention of giving up the armband on a permanent basis.

The 33-year-old midfielder was ruled out of the showpiece event in South Africa after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Chelsea against Portsmouth in last season's FA Cup final.

Bayern Munich full-back Lahm led the team to third place at the tournament, and made it clear he wants to remain in the role even when Ballack returns. But the former Chelsea man does not plan to step aside for the 26-year-old.

"This is no issue for me. I am the captain,'' said Ballack, who signed a two-year deal with Bayer Leverkusen last month and was officially unveiled on Wednesday.

"A player cannot request in what position he wants to play, and it is the same with the captaincy. One should respect this. There are hierarchies.''

Lahm last week told Bild: "It is clear I would like to retain the captaincy. The job is a lot of fun for me. Why should I then voluntarily give up the role?''