Last Updated: Fri, 02 May 2008 16:07
Benni McCarthy says he came close to joining Chelsea and admits talk of a move to Stamford Bridge went to his head.
The South African striker was a revelation for Blackburn in his debut season and finished just behind Blues ace Didier Drogba in the goalscoring charts.
McCarthy was soon linked with a move to Stamford Bridge where he would have linked up with then Blues boss and good friend Jose Mourinho. A move failed to materialise but the damage was done and McCarthy has failed to live up to expectations this season.
"You are flattered by that because it could be a step up, and then it starts to create a bit of tension between your team-mates and the manager," he revealed.
"It can go to your head and unsettle you, and it's not been a great season because of that, but I've still scored a few goals.
"When there was talk of Jose Mourinho (being after me), who is a coach I know and everyone knows the relationship that we have, I was talking to him a lot and there was this idea that I might join him.
"But I would have liked it if our relationship had just remained as it was, and there was no talk of me joining him at Chelsea. That way I could have fully concentrated on Blackburn, and my season might have been better as a result."