JOSE MOURINHO, the Chelsea manager, began plotting to win the Premier League next season within an hour of leading his club to another title.
A 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, courtesy of an Eden Hazard goal, meant the west London club got over a line they had looked favourites to cross first for most of the season.
This was Chelsea's third title in eleven years, three of them won under Mourinho who clinched the 22nd trophy of his prolific managerial career at Stamford Bridge. The bad news for his competitors is that the 52-year-old Portuguese is far from finished, despite all his success.
Mourinho said: "I will try for another one (title). I will always try. The day I don't feel that passion to try to do it again.. that's enough. I don't feel that day is arriving. When you work so hard and you are champions you feel that you got what you deserve. That good feeling.
"For me, maybe it's a special feeling, because I'm not the smartest guy to choose countries and clubs. I could choose another club in another country where to be championship is easier. I choose the most difficult league in Europe.
"I risk. I'm so, so happy, because I won another Premier League title, 10 years, or eight or nine years later, in my second spell.
"I came back to work and to work the best I can and give everything I can give. To be champions is a consequence of that work and dedication,"
John Terry, the Chelsea captain, played every minute of the league season and could not resist a dig at former interim manager Rafael Benitez who two years ago claimed the defender was not able to play every game.
"One person said I couldn't play twice in a week. He knows who he is. I have proved him wrong as I'm still fighting, still in the side and feeling great," said Terry.
"It is unbelievable but we've worked so hard this year. To get over the line today was a tough match, we were a little bit nervous but we got over the line and are champions."
This was Chelsea first championship since 2010, which made this triumph even more enjoyable for the 34-year-old.
Terry said: "The first time is very special obviously, but when you go four or five years without winning it and you see teams (winning the league) and you've grafted all year and you get nothing it really hurts - we're going to enjoy ourselves."
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