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| April 15, 2006 | Saturday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 16, 1427 |
Soccer: Uncertainity hangs over Ballack transfer
LONDON, April 14: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Germany captain Michael Ballack is still mulling over a move to the English champions.
The Bayern Munich midfielder said on Thursday he was in serious talks with the London side, but no deal had been agreed.
“We are having serious negotiations. Yes I would like him to come, that's why Chelsea are trying to sign him,” Mourinho told newsmen on Friday.
“But when I spoke to Ballack he didn't tell me he was 100per cent sure he was coming to Chelsea.
“He told me he liked the way he was approached, he liked the project we explained would happen if comes - he even fancies the Premiership and Chelsea's desire to succeed in England and Europe.
“He is thinking positive about that but he has never told me 'Next season I will be at Chelsea' so I still wait.”
Mourinho will not lose any sleep should the 29-year-old Ballack, whose contract at Bayern runs out at the end of the season, opt to continue his career elsewhere.
“If he comes he is a plus. If he is not coming, well, we already have very good midfield players, so if he doesn't we will still survive,” added the Portuguese coach.
“I am happy with the squad, the players, the age of the group. I am happy with the motivation and desire the team shows to me.
“I would be happy to stay with exactly the same squad but bringing in new players is a normal process in a club like Chelsea.”
Chelsea, who hold a seven-point lead over Manchester United with five games to play, can move closer to securing a second successive league title if they win at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.—Agencies
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