Chelsea winger Salomon Kalou could easily have been playing for Holland at this year's World and not Ivory Coast.

Kalou was ready to pledge his international future to Holland in his first season at Chelsea - only to be convinced otherwise by Jose Mourinho.

"I was told I would have to wait another year for citizenship and I was prepared to do that until I met Mourinho," he told the Daily Mail. "Chelsea were interested and I went to see Mourinho in a London hotel.

"But from the moment I met Mourinho I wanted to play for him. He knew things about my game even I hadn't been aware of. He started to tell me how to improve my game. Do this, don't do that. 'Have you been following me?" I said. 'Of course I have,' he replied.

"I thought I can get better under this guy. He is an amazing character, and someone who is true to his word. He helped make me the player I am. He made me strong. I am getting better with each season and I am proud of that."