“Players sometimes don't want to have this heavy weight on their shoulders to carry the team or to get asked in certain situations to have that responsibility.”

German former professional footballer, football agent

Michael Ballack is a German former professional footballer, later a football agent. Born in 1976, he was one of the leading midfielders of his era and has 100 quotes on the site. He was selected by Pelé for FIFA's 100 Greatest Living Players, and was named UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in 2002. Ballack won the German Footballer of the Year award three times, in 2002, 2003 and 2005. He was known for his range of passing, his powerful shot, his strength, and his commanding presence in midfield.