ROME (AFP) - Inter Milan icon Javier Zanetti on Friday poured cold water on reports claiming Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was trying to lure him to the Premier League giants.

Several media outlets, citing a report on www.insidefutbol.com, said Mourinho, who steered Inter to an historic Champions League, league title and Cup treble in 2010, wants to bring Zanetti to the club on a player-coach basis.

However, the veteran Nerazzurri defender said he has not heard directly from his former coach and that despite his lack of playing time this season he is committed to the club.

"Honestly, I have a great rapport with Mourinho. We hear from each other frequently, but we've never discussed these things," Zanetti told www.inter.it.

"I believe the Inter fans know how I feel about this shirt. I've always stressed that this club is my life and my home. And it's my desire to stay here. I don't need to add anything else." Zanetti has made only five league appearances this season since returning from a long injury lay-off due to a ruptured Achilles tendon in April 2013.

But he added: "Ever since I've been a player I've believed there are two possibilities: you either play from the opening whistle or you're on the bench and able to come on.

"I have a lot of respect for the coach's choices and the work my team-mates do. And I believe to be part of a group at a big club you have to think that way."

Inter are fifth in Serie A, 24 points behind leaders Juventus and 11 points off the first Champions League qualfying spot held by third-placed Napoli.

Walter Mazzarri's side host Cagliari on Sunday.