Metzelder targets Germany

The defender missed out on the 2010 World Cup after failing to make an impact in Spain and returned to Germany on a free this summer.

"I believe in my ability, which I proved at major tournaments with Germany," he told Kicker. "I will always have the ambition to play for my country."

Metzelder’s last international match was the 1-0 European Championship final defeat to Spain in 2008, but despite a two-year break he still thinks he has a chance.

"You don’t retire from international duty - you just cease to be picked," he said.

"Given that I was at Real Madrid for three years, I was not too hidden away."