Since his departure from Chelsea, Mourinho has been linked with a host of top jobs - including the England appointment.

Yet in recent weeks speculation has mounted over Mourinho accepting the Italian job at the San Siro - going into overdrive after reports the Portugese boss was taking Italian lessons.

Today's decision will come as a blow to Chelsea fans however, after reports that two of the club's top stars Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba would consider following their former coach to his next post.

Lampard is believed to be tempted at the prospect of working under his former manager and decided to fly out to Dubai last Thursday for a family holiday to think through his decision.

A Chelsea source said: “Frank is tempted by the prospect of joining up with Jose again. They still have a really close friendship and Frank regards the period when he worked with Jose as the best time of his career.

"He still has a great affection for Chelsea, but he feels the time may now be right to move on.

“It is a massive decision. Frank feels indebted to the club for the way they supported him after the death of his mother.”

Drogba has revealed in the past that he would be extremely happy to reunite with his old boss.

He said: "There's nothing in that. We had four great years together, and if we ever find ourselves working together again it'd be a great pleasure.

The 30-year-old added that he and his Chelsea team-mates struggled to adapt to life after Mourinho.

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