German captain Michael Ballack believes he has recovered from injury and disagrees with coach Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to rest him for the opening game of the World Cup against Costa Rica on Friday, a report said.

German captain Michael Ballack, pictured arriving at Munich airport, believes he has recovered from injury and disagrees with coach Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to rest him for the opening game of the World Cup against Costa Rica on Friday. [AFP]

"I have had intensive treatment. I feel fit and I'm not feeling pain any more. I want to play," Ballack told Friday's Bild newspaper.

Ballack, 29, has missed several training sessions with a calf injury and Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann said on Thursday he would not be risked in the tournament curtain-raiser in Munich.

But the new Chelsea signing said he had told Klinsmann he was desperate to play.

"I have told the coach. It is up to him whether I play against Costa Rica or not."

Ballack, the host nation's most influential player, has criticised Klinsmann's tactics in the buildup to the World Cup, saying the team's attacking approach leaves the defence too exposed.