Glen Johnson has said that his frustrating time at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho almost destroyed his love for football.

His move to Fratton Park proved to be the perfect remedy though, with Johnson earning an England recall and impressing on the right wing, along with in his more accustomed right-back role.

"There was only so much I could take at Chelsea," he revealed.

"At the start I used to bite my tongue and bear it, but I couldn't show what I could do by playing one game in six weeks. That is no good for anybody, especially at such a young age.

"The main difference for me is that Portsmouth made me love the game again. When I was at Chelsea, I used to tell my mates ‘I'm paid to play football, but football is what I'm doing the least'.

"They knew my situation and were sympathetic. They are football fans but, at the same time, they are my mates and they felt for me. They were trying to keep my head up to get through it.

"There's a saying that what hurts you only makes you stronger. It definitely made me appreciate playing at Portsmouth. It's crazy really.

"I was frustrated every day at Chelsea, but Portsmouth brought the love back."

Johnson credits former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp as a major factor in his revival.

"Harry Redknapp signed me and it helped to play week in, week out. That was one of the main reasons I signed for Portsmouth and it was just what I needed," he explained.

"We had a great bunch of lads down there and that was really good for me as well."

Johnson is expected to leave Fratton Park this summer, and may in fact return to Stamford Bridge, this time under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.