Ballack fires his lawyer during speeding trial

The former Germany captain has expressed unhappiness with the arguments set out by his representative during a court case, leading to the legal practitioner's dismissal.

His lawyer then argued on Thursday that his client currently does not have a regular wage at his disposal and he therefore pleaded for a reduction of the fine to 1,000 euros. 

Ballack told reporters: "The Spanish lawyer, whom I only let attend because he was appointed to me before the first day of trial, did not have the assignment to argue in the nonsensical way like he apparently did.

"Because of that, I immediately released him from his duty. Of course I respect the Spanish law, the Spanish court and their judgement," he continued.

The final judgement in the case is expected to be announced next week./bbc.com