Mourinho says Blues keen to work within financial restrictions.
Jose Mourinho has revealed financial fair play prevented Chelsea making moves for Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani in the summer.
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After being linked with the South American duo, the Blues eventually signed Samuel Eto’o on a free transfer from cash-strapped Anzhi Makhachkala, having failed with an attempt to lure Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.
Falcao and Cavani went on to join Ligue 1 giants Monaco and PSG respectively, with both players thought to have commanded transfer fees of over €60 million.
The Colombian is reportedly paid a whopping €14m at Monaco, while Cavani earns €10m and Mourinho says UEFA’s financial restrictions ended the Blues’ interest in the players.
Asked if financial fair play was to blame, he said: “Correct. Because of transfer fees and salaries. Players are not just about transfer fees, but big wages. Of course there’s a certain profile of player we don’t go near.”
Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich was free to invest heavily in the squad before the financial restrictions came into play in the 2011/12 season but Mourinho has praised the new conditions.
“It’s even better and even more enjoyable work, I think.
“Chelsea made great investment in the past, and in some moments were also a bit criticised because we did so much, but things change.”
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