I love Michael Ballack. I love him because just after he preferred Chelsea over Manchester United he declared: „I zigned vit Chelzea to vin championzships“, opening the door to the greatest run in Manchester United history.

And I love him because I doubt there was ever a player like Ballack: someone who can influence the game so much without having the announcer saying his name even once.

Germany was shocked and concerned yesterday after the news that Ballack’s injury would keep him away from the World Cup matches next month became public. But maybe it’s time to reevaluate Ballack’s legacy.

His league play and achievements are tremendous. He didn’t do as good in international team matches and during his tenure of 10 years in big national tournaments Germany reached the finals twice, and once got to the semi-final. Decent results.

But I think that the Ballack legacy is much wider and less decent than it seems on paper. I remember that as a kid I always views and judged Germany only in terms of result. No one ever cared for the beauty of its game, to new tactics or what long-term developments did the German team contributed to the field of soccer. It was win or go home and prepare for the next tournament.

But the Ballack’s regime changed this conception. One time Germany lost in the final and its players explained that it surprised them to even get there, another time they lost to a superior team and had a wonderful tourney despite the loss. One time they lost in the semi-final but were really happy to carry the mission that Germany is a very hospitable place.

Under Ballack, Germany became content with second place finish.

I think that his injury is the best thing that could have happen to the national German team