Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has explained his surprise swoop for Steve Sidwell, insisting the former Reading midfielder has a good "mentality".

Sidwell officially joined the Blues on July 1 after agreeing a free transfer in May and Mourinho feels he will be a strong addition to his Stamford Bridge squad.

Mourinho told Chelsea TV: "He is a player I like. He is a player with the mentality which is very welcome in our dressing room and our philosophy.

"He is an English player with English mentality completely adapted to the Premiership with a successful period at Reading.

"He is wishing for new things for his career, playing for a big club and winning titles is a dream for any young player so yes he is a player I would like to have and I told the board we should try to sign."