Michael Essien is on the verge of joining AC Milan on a free transfer from Chelsea, according to reports.
The Ghana international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, is set to pen an 18-month contract at the San Siro.
If he joins the Serie A side he will become Clarence Seedorf's first signing as AC Milan manager.
Jose Mourinho was asked about Essien's future ahead Chelsea's FA Cup tie against Stoke.
He said: "Michael Essien is in a position at the moment where he can go or he can stay. If he stays we will be more than happy.
"He is a fantastic club man and a fantastic team player.
"But if something big comes for him he is another one who we feel we must show the respect, and to show him the respect is not to stop him from going."
Essien began his career in Europe at French side Bastia after moving from his native Ghana at the age of 17.
He moved to Lyon in 2003 where he established himself as one of the most sought-after defensive midfielders in world football.
He won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award prior to signing for Chelsea for a then club-record fee of �24.4m in the summer of 2005.
Despite winning eight major trophies for Chelsea, Essien's career in England was blighted by
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