Former Chelsea winger: I wasn’t happy at Stamford Bridge but I respected Jose Mourinho

The Egypt international worked with the 53-year-old at Chelsea, although Salah failed to ever hit the ground running.

The 24-year-old completed an £11m move from Basel in January 2014 but made just 13 Premier League appearances for the Blues before he was sent out on loan to Fiorentina.

He then enjoyed a loan spell at Roma before making the move permanent last summer.

And reflecting on his time in west London, Salah admits he became frustrated at struggling to find a way into Jose Mourinho’s plans.

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Mohamed Salah has netted nine goals for Roma this season

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I didn't play much, it's true, and I was not necessarily happy. I wanted to show what I was capable of

Mohamed Salah

However, he holds no grudges against the former Chelsea manager, insisting he had a great relationship with him.

"It was one of the key moments of my life and my career in terms of learning,” Salah told France Football.

“I was young, and suddenly I was alongside one of the best tacticians in the world, with exceptional players.

"I didn't play much, it's true, and I was not necessarily happy. I wanted to show what I was capable of.

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Mohamed Salah failed to make the grade at Chelsea

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Mohamed Salah says he had a good relationship with Jose Mourinho

“I was sad not to be able to do that. In spite of everything, I had a very good relationship with coach Mourinho. In every aspect, I only retain the positive, and that was the case at Chelsea.

"I always gave everything, but regardless of what I did in training, I was not in the starting lineup.

“I had to respect the coach's choices. He had some 20 players and had to pick 11, that's how it is."

Salah, who has netted nine goals for Roma in all competitions this season, is currently representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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