Jose Mourinho opens Chelsea door for Rooney

Chelsea have been one of the number of clubs linked with a move for Wayne Rooney ever since Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the United forward wasn’t happy at Manchester United. Today, as Chelsea arrived in Thailand, Jose Mourinho spoke openly about Rooney and I just wonder if he has given the first signal of real intention from Chelsea to make their move.

According to one Newspaper this morning, Rooney still wants to leave United despite the new manager David Moyes’ attempts at persuading the England Striker to stay. One report yesterday stated that Moyes and Rooney had met twice at each others houses in attempt to settle their “reported” differences.

Now, as we know, this isn’t the first time Rooney has been linked with a move away from United. Just a couple of seasons ago, Manchester City were ready to pounce as Rooney had become unsettled at the club. Rooney and United sorted things out and he stayed at Old Trafford.

Rooney has become unhappy towards the end of last season at the lack of involvement in United’s big games and that’s thought to be the catalyst behind the situation as it is now.

So what of Chelsea’s interest and Jose Mourinho in particular? Shortly after arriving in Bangkok today, Mourinho spoke in a Press Conference and was asked about Rooney. He said:

“It’s a tricky question because I cannot speak about players from other teams. But you know me, it’s not my kind of character to speak with a bit of hypocrisy and I always say what I think.

He is a player I like very much but I can say no more than that. Being fast and direct, I like that, but he’s a Manchester United player.”

It’s an intriguing quote from Jose. In one breath he re-iterates that Rooney belongs to United and that he cannot speak about players from other clubs but then he opens the door to Rooney declaring that he likes him “Very Much” and speaks of Rooney’s direct approach to the game.

Surely it’s a message to Rooney and the first sign from Mourinho of his “official” interest in him if he was to become available.

Moyes spoke recently of Rooney and explained he was not for sale and wouldn’t be sold by the club but, if these reports of Rooney still looking to leave are true, it’s pointless for United to hold onto him.

With Demba Ba being linked with a move away from Chelsea, Wayne Rooney coming in would bolster our options with Fernando Torres and Romelu Lukaku for the season.

It’s now down to Rooney and what he wants and intends to do. He has left United’s pre-season tour due to “injury” but I just wonder if this whole situation could be the start of a massive scramble for the services of Rooney.

Would Rooney want to come to London and play for Mourinho if the chance came about?

I believe he would and I would much rather have Rooney than Luis Suarez any day!

Carefree & KTBFFH!