The Liverpool skipper was all set to move to Chelsea before making a last-minute U-turn, but the new Blues boss bears no grudges and wishes him the success he deserves.
"I have to say this, when I was asked if it was possible for him to come here, I said he's a top player," said Mourinho.
"Not now that he is a Liverpool player can I change my mind. I have the same thinking about him.
"He is a top player. I don't know him well but I can understand he must be a very good boy with good personality and, for me, a real top player - not in England but in the world.
"I always like to see the positives and, in the football world, there are many players. You can never be worried when a player is leaving, not coming or signs for another club. He is a Liverpool boy and decided to stay. It's his decision.
"I also had to choose between staying in Porto, my country, my life, with my family. Having the same style of life and changing because I wanted to change my life.
"I decided one thing and have to accept he decided another way. I'm not worried about it but he's not coming here and I have to change my mind into a different direction. I still wish him big success."