Chelsea star Willian has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho amidst reports linking him with a move to Manchester United. Willian has been linked with a move to United of late and now, he has spoken about Jose Mourinho and has revealed what he thinks about the rumours circling in the media regarding his future.

Willian has been a key member of the Chelsea squad since joining them in 2013 from Anzhi and has already won the league title twice with the London club. It was indeed Jose Mourinho who signed the Brazilian back during his time as Chelsea manager and Willian has revealed the kind of relationship he shares with the Portuguese tactician.

When asked as to which manager had helped him the most, the midfielder revealed it was Jose Mourinho and expressed his special feelings for the Manchester United boss. He said:

“From all of them, I learned something. I learned a lot. When I went to Shakhtar with Lucescu. When I left Shakhtar, in a very short spell at Anzhi with Guus Hiddink, I learned a lot. And then here at Chelsea with Mourinho, a manager who helped me a lot, I learned a lot from him.”

“So with all of them I learned a lot. But we always have a special affection for somebody, and you feel that, that it is reciprocal of him. And we’re not even working together anymore, but we’ve become friends. And it’s Mourinho. The coach who has helped me since my arrival at Chelsea. That backed me, that put me to play, that relied on my potential, that relied on my work. So no doubt I have affection for all, but Mourinho was a guy that I have a special affection and helped me a lot.”

“He is a manager who talks to players, who is tactically very smart, knows how to lead the group well. So I only have good things to say about him, this whole time I worked with him at Chelsea was very good. So he is a very good manager and person, and always tries to do the best for the team”.

Mourinho bought Willian from Anzhi in 2013 in a £30m deal, and oversaw Willian’s best Chelsea form. The good relationship between them would be partly why Mourinho now wants to sign him for Manchester United, according to several reports from the English press.

Speaking about his future, Willian did not speculate too much and made it clear that he is happy at Chelsea.

“The rumours here in England are very big. Of course I’m happy when other managers show up interested in my football, I’m very happy about that, but today I’m a Chelsea player. I have a contract until 2020 and I’m happy here at the club. Happy to live in London and my family is well adapted here too.”

“If I stay, I will remain very happy, and if I have to leave, let it be to a place where I can be respected. I’m very happy at Chelsea, I’ve always been respected here by the fans, the fans have a great affection for me, I’m going to try to return that affection until my last day of the contract with Chelsea.”

It looks like Willian is well settled at Chelsea and surely, these comments should put an end to all the speculations surrounding his future. Hopefully, the media don’t link Manchester United with Willian again and waste their time.