AFTER linking up with Chelsea for the first time since Luiz Felipe Scolari's appointment, Michael Ballack hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson's comments downplaying the Blues' title credentials.
The Manchester United boss attempted to kickstart an early war of words with Scolari this week after suggesting Chelsea's ageing squad may not be as much of a threat to the two-time Barclays Premier League champions this season.
And, with 31-year-
old Ballack falling under Ferguson's scope of criticism, the Germany captain quickly pointed towards the example set by the now departed Claude Makelele last season.
"Our team can still improve," said Ballack. "If you are 30 or 31 you are not old. Last year Maka was 34 and he played very well. I have nothing to prove, this type of thing happens over the summer, people talking about each other."
Ballack was given an extended break following Euro 2008 and joined up with Scolari's Chelsea for the first time in Macau ahead of today's friendly with Chinese Super League outfit Chengdu Blades.
And the former Bayern Munich midfielder commented on Frank Lampard's ongoing transfer saga, with a move to Inter Milan still rumoured to be a possibility.
"It would be fantastic if we could stay at Chelsea," said Ballack. "He is a big player for the club and has done a lot for the club, but it is up to him. He knows we are all behind him."
Ballack added: "Maka has left (for PSG] and Deco has come in. We have a good squad and we need a good squad."
The full article contains 269 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
