Mourinho hails match-winner Ivanovic one of Chelsea's greatest ever signings

Mourinho considers Ivanovic one of Chelsea’s best ever signings

Jose Mourinho termed Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic as one of the club’s best ever signings after his screamer won the Premier League leaders a crucial three points against Aston Villa.

The Chelsea right-back’s 66th minute volley was enough to seal off a 2-1 win at Villa Park after Eden Hazard’s 8th minute opener was cancelled out by Jores Okore’s header just after half-time. The win extended Chelsea’s lead at the top to 7 points on the day when closest rivals Manchester City drew 1-1 against Hull.

Ivanovic transferred to Stamford Bridge from Lokomotiv Moscow for a fee of 9.7 million pounds in 2008. The 29 year old has notched up 19 goals in his 201 appearances for the London club since.

Mourinho said, "He came immediately after I left and after that he made a fantastic contribution for this club. He is a competitive animal. A big heart.

"What really matters more is what we as a club feel for him and people like John [Terry] and [Gary] Cahill, guys that without them -- you cannot do anything. A team is an artist like [Eden] Hazard, it is a defender like Branislav. The mix and combination of talent makes a team”.

Catch the rest of the post-match press conference here.