Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Jose talks up Blues impact

24 Feb 2010 - 08:53:10

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Internazionale head coach Jose Mourinho believes that some of Chelsea's established stars have him to thank for their status among the game's top players.

Mourinho left the Blues in September 2007 after guiding Chelsea to two league titles, with the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba emerging as major stars under the Portuguese's guidance.

Mourinho told reporters: "Did I give them a contribution? They say yes and I think so.

"I thank them because they never forget to say some nice words about me, but if they continue to play at this level, it is up to them because they work hard day after day.

"When I speak with somebody at the club, they always say that the culture of working very hard every day didn't change.

"The players kept a strong mentality and, as the years are going by, they are all like port wine - the older the better.

"The most beautiful thing in football for a coach I believe is the respect from players and from the supporters of his own club.

"And that happens with me all the time. It happened in Porto, in Chelsea and in Inter and that makes me proud."