 On 29 May 2010, Balitsch returned to his former club Bayer 04 Leverkusen, signing a two-year deal.He retired from the professional stage after more than 400 first and second level matches in 2016.He has made one appearance for the German national team, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Spain on 12 February 2003 in Palma de Mallorca.