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Cape Town - Jose Mourinho admits he still regrets being unable to sign
Steven Gerrard for Chelsea in 2005, claiming it was something he and the
club had dreamed of.
The Portuguese tactician had been close to snapping up the former England international during his first spell in charge of the Blues, although Gerrard eventually opted to remain with Liverpool.
And, ahead of Chelsea's Capital One Cup semi-final at Anfield on Tuesday, Mourinho admits missing out on the signing of Gerrard is one of his biggest transfer disappointments as a manager.
"He (Gerrard) is a historical player for Liverpool, a historical player for the Premier League and an opponent I have always admired and respected," Football411 quotes Mourinho as saying.
"We did everything to try (to sign him) and it was almost there. I was dreaming of (Claude) Makelele, Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard in midfield.
"We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders. Me, Mr Abramovich and (former Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon at that time, we dreamed of that.
"His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never.
"He (Gerrard) was always a red and I think the decision was right."
The Portuguese tactician had been close to snapping up the former England international during his first spell in charge of the Blues, although Gerrard eventually opted to remain with Liverpool.
And, ahead of Chelsea's Capital One Cup semi-final at Anfield on Tuesday, Mourinho admits missing out on the signing of Gerrard is one of his biggest transfer disappointments as a manager.
"He (Gerrard) is a historical player for Liverpool, a historical player for the Premier League and an opponent I have always admired and respected," Football411 quotes Mourinho as saying.
"We did everything to try (to sign him) and it was almost there. I was dreaming of (Claude) Makelele, Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard in midfield.
"We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders. Me, Mr Abramovich and (former Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon at that time, we dreamed of that.
"His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never.
"He (Gerrard) was always a red and I think the decision was right."
