Mourinho would love if Gerrard signed on

Published on Wednesday 23 June 2004 14:56

CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho would welcome Steven Gerrard "with open arms" if the Liverpool midfielder became available.

The big-spending Londoners have been linked with a British transfer record-breaking move for the England star, and the new boss is a big fan of Gerrard and his England team-mate Wayne Rooney.

"The only thing I can say is if he comes I will welcome him with open arms," said Mourinho. "If he doesn’t come, I will admire him exactly the same. I wish him all the best even if he stays where he is at Liverpool."

Mourinho, who won the Champions League with Porto last month, praised England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for his role in helping Rooney adjust to the international stage.

"The only thing I can say is that the kid is playing amazing and Mr Eriksson deserves to take congratulations for that also," Mourinho added. "Since the first moment Mr Eriksson understood and gave Rooney confidence, and for a young kid his confidence is incredible."

Mourinho’s comments follow those of Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon, who admitted the club would be interested in both Gerrard and Rooney if they became available to buy.

Kenyon said: "Steven Gerrard is recognised as one of the best midfielders around and were it possible we would be extremely interested. It’s great to see how [Chelsea midfielder] Frank Lampard and Steven have played together and Steven certainly comes into the Lampard class.

"Wayne Rooney has been the talk of the tournament. He has been incredible, particularly coming off a fairly average season. But there’s so much speculation, and if we started reacting to all the speculation we would literally do nothing else."

Chelsea are hopeful of completing the signing of Portuguese full-back Paulo Ferreira by Friday at the earliest.

The west London side have agreed a 13.2million fee with Porto for the 24-year-old Ferreira, but must wait until Portugal’s exit from Euro 2004 - which could come in their quarter-final against England tomorrow night.