Mourinho not a man to turn down, Ashley Cole says

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole believes a player has one thought when they know they are wanted by Jose Mourinho – to join the "Special One".

Mourinho controversially signed Cole at the end of his contract at Arsenal in 2006. Cole, reunited with Mourinho following the Portuguese’s return to Stamford Bridge, thinks any player would find it difficult to turn down the Chelsea boss.

“I jumped at the chance,” England defender Cole said. “He’s a great manager. He’s proved how good he is with the number of trophies he’s won with different teams.

“He’s great at motivating players and keeping you on your toes, keeping you doing what you should be doing.

“For me, if there’s a player he wants to come to Chelsea, it would be one thought in my mind: to come here and to be under a great manager. It’s a pleasure to play under him.”

The comments are sure to interest Wayne Rooney, who is Mourinho’s sole transfer target.

Chelsea saw a bid for the Manchester United striker rejected last week.