Jose Mourinho: 'Branislav Ivanovic is one of Chelsea's best ever signings'

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that Branislav Ivanovic is one of the greatest signings in the club's history.

The 30-year-old defender scored the winning goal in a 2-1 success at Aston Villa on Saturday, which moves the Blues seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

When asked if the Serbian would go down as one of the best purchases that Chelsea have made, Mourinho told The Guardian: "I think so. He came just after I left [in 2007] and after that he made a fantastic contribution for this club.

"Every striker in the world would be proud to score that magnificent goal. Imagine a right-back, and a right-back whose best foot is not the left one – it's an amazing goal, especially when he scored that goal and it's the winning goal.

"So I am very happy because he is a great guy. What he is doing for us is unbelievable."

Ivanovic moved to Stamford Bridge from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008.