Hungry Mourinho wants more

Jose Mourinho insisted Chelsea were deserved Premier League champions – and then declared himself hungry for more.

The Blues made sure of their first league crown in five years – 60 years after their first – thanks to Eden Hazard’s lone goal at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho has now won 22 trophies in his career – equivalent to one every 34 matches – but only moments after securing his third Premier League title, he turned his focus onto a fourth.

“I will try (for) another one. I will try always,” he said.

“The day I don’t feel that passion to try to do it again, that’s enough. I don’t feel that day is arriving.

“When you work so hard and you are champions you feel that you got what you deserve. That good feeling.

“For me, maybe (a) special feeling, because I’m not the smartest guy to choose countries and clubs. I could choose another club in another country where to be champion is easier. I choose the most difficult league in Europe.

“I risk. I’m so, so happy, because I won another Premier League title, 10 years, or eight or nine years later, in my second spell.”

While his players were jubilantly lapping up the celebrations out on the pitch, Mourinho was far more reserved, and retired inside to reflect on his and his team’s achievements.

“To become Premier league champions is a consequence of hard work, that dedication,” he told Sky Sports.

“I knew when I was coming back that I was coming back to the most difficult league.

“I let the players enjoy, it is for them.

“From day one until today, nobody gave us anything, and we got everything through our efforts.

“Every title is a result of hard work and is a reason to be happy or proud.”

The Eagles were determined to spoil Chelsea’s party as they refused to roll over and let Chelsea stroll over the line.

Hazard’s header after his penalty had been saved by Julian Speroni was enough for the Blues in the end but the hosts were forced to soak up some late pressure.

It has been an arduous task for the Blues to bring the title back south for only the second time in nine years, but Mourinho admitted no title success is more sweet than another.

“I can’t say which title is better. This is my last title, so the most important for now,” he added.

John Terry gives his reaction to Chelsea’s title win after their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

“In the country we play in, each title candidate will come back stronger next season. It is not the best country to be a force, to dominate, but obviously we will try and be there at the top of the league next season.

“I am calm, but I enjoy it. To be top of the league since day one, and lose two matches all season, to be unbeaten at home, have a great away record, the team with the least goals conceded I think is really fantastic for this group.”

Mourinho revealed he had endured a difficult week on personal level with his father recovering from surgery following illness.

“When the game finished at Leicester (on Wednesday) I got immediately a private plane to go to Portugal and I was there with him for the most difficult moment (the operation),” Mourinho added.

“He’s getting better. I’m much more relaxed.”