Mourinho planning long-term Chelsea 'project'

The Portuguese says he plans on remaining at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable as he looks to emulate Monday's opponent, Arsene Wenger, before moving into international football

Jose Mourinho took a pay cut to join Chelsea from Real Madrid because of his desire to build a long-term "project" at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho - who has won three Premier League titles with the London side - returned to the Premier League club for a second time in June following a three-year spell in Spain.

Ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with Arsenal - where Arsene Wenger has been at the helm since 1996 - Mourinho revealed his desire to be given similar time and patience in order to make his mark.

"It's sad because I think a league gets better if we keep the good things and we improve the bad things," he told reporters. "One of the good things is that sense of stability, to let people work without pressure.

"I had Real Madrid and I left because I wanted to, not because they wanted me to. I had other clubs in other countries where it would be easier to go to.

"If I was here for financial reasons, I wouldn't be here, getting a lot less money than I had at Real Madrid.

"I didn't come because the job was easy, or because I had a team ready to attack the title, or for the best contract. I'm here because I love the club and I love the project.

Mourinho also said he harbours hopes of being in charge of Chelsea for the next 12 years before taking his first job in international football as he works towards a retirement age of 65.

He continued: "How long will I stay? I would say 12 years.

"I'm 51 next month. I'd say 12 years, and two to go to a World Cup with a national team."