Maybe with one eye on the opening game of the season and in the knowledge that Rooney has no intention of signing for Chelsea Mourinho expressed his admiration for both Rooney and Ronaldo:
"I love him. His personality is amazing," said Mourinho. "When a kid of 18 plays like he did, it is absolutely amazing. I always admire kids like him and Ronaldo. They seem like they are 30 years old and full of confidence. But it is not just too much money, I think we have other priorities in terms of players and positions. Rooney is a wonderful attacking player, but he is not a pure striker, a target man. He plays with free movement just behind on both sides, we have other players with these qualities."
Mourinho dismissed yesterday's chatter that Edgar Davids may be on his way to Chelsea:
"It is the first time I have heard about him being linked with Chelsea, I wouldn't like him. He is a very good player, but I think, in English football, you cannot play in midfield with two players together who are 1.70 metres. With Makelele, it would not be a good combination."