"It's difficult, because you can't imagine it, nor can you describe it in words. It's a process of suppression. Everyone deals with it in their own way," said Michael Ballack, whose son was just 18 years old.
In 2021, he died in a quadbiking accident in Portugal.
"I can hardly talk about him, if at all. I wish I could say much more, but it's simply too emotional for me. That's why it's a process of suppression," Ballack explained.
"And you try to get through everyday life, through things that motivate you like work, family, the other sons, to cope.
"I've managed to do that as best I can up to now. We've managed it. And I'm grateful for that."
Four-time German champion
The former DFB captain played 98 international matches for Germany during his active career. After successful spells at Bayer Leverkusen and FC Bayern - where he won the Bundesliga title four times with the record champions - the former midfielder moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2006.
Ballack now works as a player advisor. Since 2022, he has also been a regular TV pundit for DAZN.
