Jose Mourinho has said that it was his decision to leave Real Madrid for Chelsea in the summer, and he did so because he loves the West London club.

The Portuguese coach's three-year spell in the Spanish capital ended with one La Liga title to his name, as well as successes in the Copa Del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Many reports suggested that Los Blancos were keen on severing ties with the 50-year-old, but he claims that it was the "project" at Stamford Bridge that lured him from the Bernabeu.

"I had Real Madrid, I left them because I wanted to, not because they wanted me to," he told reporters. "I had other clubs in other countries where it would be easier to go and find an 'easy' job immediately.

"I'm here because I love the club, I love the project. It's a different project. I love the country, in terms of football, but the main reason is I was explained what the club wanted of me, and I liked that."

The Blues are fifth in the Premier League, three points off leaders Liverpool.