Mahdavikia to play in Ballack’s farewell match: report

Tehran Times –  LEIPZIG, Former Iranian midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia will play in Michael Ballack’s farewell match, scheduled for June 5 in Leipzig, Germany. Former SV Hamburger and Persepolis midfielder has been invited to play in Ballack & Friends match, the Iranian media reported.

Ballack, 36, who retired last October, made the last of his 98 appearances for Germany in February 2010. He captained his country to third at the 2006 World Cup Germany and spent four years at Chelsea from 2006 until 2010.

Under the slogan “Ciao Capitano. A world-class evening”, Bayern Munich midfielder Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid coach Mourinho are already confirmed with a ‘Ballack & Friends’ team taking on a World XI.

He told reporters: “I want to say goodbye in an honorable way to colleagues and fans and to thank those people who developed me, supported me and challenged me in my career.

“Of course I want to play a bit in both teams, but my fitness levels will decide that.”