Ramelow ends German career
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Article summary
Germany will be without Carsten Ramelow at UEFA EURO 2004™ after he announced his international retirement.
Article body
Chance for others
The 30-year-old has decided to concentrate on club football after suffering numerous injuries on duty for the national team - and to open the door for others. He said: "I want to make way for younger players, who have a chance for the [FIFA] 2006 World Cup." However, Ramelow has said he would play in Portugal this summer if there was a defensive injury crisis.
Völler dismayed
Ramelow, capped 46 times, informed Rudi Völler of his decision today, much to the disappointment of the Germany coach. "I knew what he was thinking but I am disappointed to lose him," Völler said. "He was an important player." Germany will announce their provisional 23-man squad for the finals on Monday in Frankfurt.
World Cup experience
An experienced performer who played for Leverkusen in the 2001/02 UEFA Champions League final, Ramelow represented his country at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and played a major role in their run to the final. He was also in the squad at UEFA EURO 2000™ but did not play. His last match for Germany was the 5-1 defeat by Romania last month, when he played in central defence alongside Jens Jeremies.
