Germany star Ballack nabbed for speeding in Extremadura

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack, who announced his retirement from soccer at the beginning of October, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in Extremadura for speeding in his Audi Q7.

The three-time German Footballer of the Year was stopped by the Civil Guard near the town of Santa Cruz de la Sierra at around 6.30pm and asked to take a breathalyzer test.

The central government delegate in Extremadura, Germán López Iglesias, said that the result of the test was “zero, zero.”

“The driver was in a completely normal condition to drive a vehicle, but was going at a speed of 211 kilometers per hour instead of 120,” López added. The Civil Guard said Ballack was driving “on a straight stretch of highway, with excellent visibility.”

Ballack, who ended his illustrious career at the club where he made his name, Bayer Leverkusen, was processed in a rapid court appearance with the aid of a public prosecutor as his German lawyer could not be located.

He exercised his right not to speak during the hearing and was released on bail to appear at the Cáceres Penal Court later in the month. However, because the prosecutor did not seek a prison term for the footballer, Ballack is not obliged to attend.

The midfielder made 98 appearances for his country, leading Die Mannschaft to the 2006 World Cup semifinals and the final of Euro 2008.