Ballack laughs off Fergie's taunts on aging Blues stars

MACAU: Star midfielder Michael Ballack (pic) said he had nothing left to prove in the latter part of his career and backed Chelsea’s 30-somethings to have the last laugh over Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson. The 31-year-old newly-wed dismissed Ferguson’s comments about Chelsea’s age as pre-season chatter, insisting there was still room for improvement under new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. “Our team can still improve. If you are 30 or 31 you are not old,” said Ballack after joining Chelsea’s tour here. “Last year Maka (Claude Makelele) 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.” And Ballack said new signing Deco, 30, could prove the difference as Chelsea aim to make up for narrowly missing out on last year’s Premiership and Champions... [read full story]