Bayern Munich and German star Mehmet Scholl has ruled himself out of the World Cup.
World Cup woe
The 31-year-old informed national team coach Rudi Völler of his decision during a meeting in Munich today. Scholl, who has 36 caps to his name, also missed out on USA 94 and France 98 through injury.
Unlucky with injury
Scholl suffered an ankle injury in August which kept him out for four months. His return to fitness was then hampered by foot and back problems. "In light of my health situation, I will not be able to help Rudi Völler and the national team at the coming World Cup in Japan and Korea," Scholl said. "That is why I have taken this decision."
Decision makes sense
Völler had said he would give Scholl as long as possible to prove his fitness. "I was hoping till the end that Mehmet would get fit in time for the World Cup," he said. "At our meeting today in Munich he has explained to me his current situation. I regret his decision, but I must accept it because his motivation makes sense."
