Bastian Schweinsteiger 'ready to move abroad'

11 April 2012

Germany captain Michael Ballack claims Bastian Schweinsteiger is ready to follow the examples of Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil by moving abroad next summer.

Schweinsteiger's contract with Bayern runs until 2012, although talks over an extension have stalled recently, raising speculation that the 26-year-old is considering a new challenge.

And Ballack, who spent four years with Chelsea, believes the Bayern Munich midfielder would "fit in well" at a club like Manchester United or Real Madrid.

"He has taken on the responsibility placed in him and is now in a phase when he is looking to reach the zenith of his career," said Ballack to Kicker magazine.

"He took a huge step forwards at the World Cup. He has presence, authority, personality, performance and goals - he has everything."

Ballack is one of only a few German players in recent years to have left the country and sought a challenge abroad.

He is also one of a rare bunch to have turned down Bayern Munich's offer of a new contract when he chose to move to Chelsea in 2006, and he understands what Schweinsteiger must be thinking right now.

"Only he will be able to feel what is right for him for the future," added Ballack.

"Of course every footballer is attracted to certain things and Bastian will feel these also. But there are not that many big clubs around and Bayern is one of them.

"On the other hand, Real or Man United are both attractive and he would fit in well at both clubs."

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