Boss Mourinho in Cole admission

Joe Cole career statistics

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that midfielder Joe Cole was thinking of leaving Chelsea in December 2004.

Cole, 23, was frustrated by a lack of first-team chances and had been criticised by Mourinho.

But Mourinho told the News of the World: "Joe has gone from a hopeful to a tremendous player, from criticised to praised, from fragile to powerful.

"He was thinking of leaving, now he is thinking of being a regular in England's starting line-up."

Following an injury to Arjen Robben, Cole forced his way into Mourinho's first team and was outstanding in the second half of last season.

And the former West Ham midfielder is now considered to be England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's first choice for the national side on the left of midfield.

Sven said that I'm contributing towards a better English national team Jose Mourinho

Mourinho believes his criticism of Cole, when he suggested that he did not work hard enough in defence, did, in fact, spur him on.

"The merit is his but it gives me special pleasure to participate in the evolution of players," added Mourinho.

"It is interesting that even when Robben was out, nobody noticed it because of how Joe played.

"He has become versatile and disciplined. In my 4-4-2 system, he can play inside, be the attacking link or an attacker.

"In my 4-3-3 system, he can be a wide midfielder, on the right or left wing.

"Sven said that I'm contributing towards a better English national team, claiming that I have made a player of Joe and that Chelsea inspires them.

"Nobody obliged him to say that. He said it because he thinks and feels it."