Jose
Mourinho insisted Chelsea were deserved Premier League champions - and then
declared himself hungry for more.
The Blues made sure of their first league crown in five years - 60 years
after their first - thanks to Eden Hazard's lone goal at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho has now won 22 trophies in his career - equivalent to one every 34
matches - but only moments after securing his third Premier League title, he
turned his focus onto a fourth.
"I will try (for) another one. I will try always," he said.
"The day I don't feel that passion to try to do it again, that's enough. I
don't feel that day is arriving.
"When you work so hard and you are champions you feel that you got what you
deserve. That good feeling.
"For me, maybe (a) special feeling, because I'm not the smartest guy to
choose countries and clubs. I could choose another club in another country
where to be champion is easier. I choose the most difficult league in
Europe.
"I risk. I'm so, so happy, because I won another Premier League title, 10
years, or eight or nine years later, in my second spell."
While his players were jubilantly lapping up the celebrations out on the
pitch, Mourinho was far more reserved, and retired inside to reflect on his
and his team’s achievements .
“To become Premier league champions is a consequence of hard work, that
dedication,” he told Sky Sports.
“I knew when I was coming back that I was coming back to the most difficult
league.
“I let the players enjoy, it is for them.
“From day one until today, nobody gave us anything, and we got everything
through our efforts.
“Every title is a result of hard work and is a reason to be happy or proud."
The Eagles were determined to spoil Chelsea’s party as they refused to roll
over and let Chelsea stroll over the line.
Hazard’s header after his penalty had been saved by Julian Speroni was
enough for the Blues in the end but the hosts were forced to soak up some
late pressure.
It has been an arduous task for the Blues to bring the title back south for
only the second time in nine years, but Mourinho admitted no title success
is more sweet than another.
“I can’t say which title is better. This is my last title, so the most
important for now,” he added.
“In the country we play in, each title candidate will come back stronger
next season. It is not the best country to be a force, to dominate, but
obviously we will try and be there at the top of the league next season.
“I am calm, but I enjoy it. To be top of the league since day one, and lose
two matches all season, to be unbeaten at home, have a great away record,
the team with the least goals conceded I think is really fantastic for this
group.”
Mourinho revealed he had endured a difficult week on personal level with his
father recovering from surgery following illness.
"When the game finished at Leicester (on Wednesday) I got immediately a
private plane to go to Portugal and I was there with him for the most
difficult moment (the operation)," Mourinho added.
"He's getting better. I'm much more relaxed."
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