An African star who failed to flourish under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea has revealed the truth about his relationship with the former Blues boss.

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Mohamed Salah, who was among the final five nominees for the 2016 CAF African Player of the Year award, made only 19 appearances under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and was eventually sold to AS Roma.

The Egypt forward has now admitted he was not happy with his situation under the Portuguese, but did not have a bad relationship with the coach.

"It was one of the key moments of my life and my career in terms of learning. I was young, and suddenly I was alongside one of the best tacticians in the world, with exceptional players," Salah told France Football.

"I didn't play much, it's true, and I was not necessarily happy. I wanted to show what I was capable of.

"I was sad not to be able to do that. In spite of everything, I had a very good relationship with coach Mourinho. In every aspect, I only retain the positive, and that was the case at Chelsea.

"I always gave everything, but regardless of what I did in training, I was not in the starting line-up.

"I had to respect the coach's choices. He had some 20 players and had to pick 11, that's how it is."

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Salah has scored nine goals and assisted another six strikes in 21 games for Roma this season, and is one of the big names at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Do you think Salah could have turned into a star performer at Chelsea if given a decent chance? Have your say in the comments section below.

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