Jose Mourinho has defended striker Didier Drogba over the diving issue that has left Chelsea in the middle of yet another controversy.

Drogba revealed in a BBC post-match interview he had conned referees by diving before later retracting his admission.

The Football Association have yet to decide what, if any, action they will take over the Ivory Coast striker's remarks but in the meantime, Mourinho has leapt to his defence.

Drogba has attracted criticism this season accused of feigning injury in a bid to get other players booked or sent off.

The striker scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday but the second was unlawfully brought under control with the help of his hand. But the diving issue surfaced once more when Drogba went down clutching his eye under a challenge from a City player.

However, the Chelsea coach insists Drogba is not a diver. "It was a big thing - it was a finger very strong in his eye which was completely full of blood," declared Mourinho.

"Of course he is not blind but it was something serious. The referee saw it as an accident and I accept that. Sometimes he is a player who does not get what he deserves. Drogba is a fighter.

"I am happy with him and we are happy to have a professional like him. Players are not just about the skilful and beautiful ones who play for the stands. It is important to have players who fight for the team, work for the team - attack and defend.

"He is the kind of player I would say 'with you I could go to every war.' He is a very important player for us."

Drogba, already under fire for two handball incidents in consecutive Premiership games, sparked further fury after the game when he admitted conning officials by diving before backtracking when pushed to expand on his remarks more clearly.

Drogba explained: "Unfortunately, in the emotion of winning the game my comments have come across partly in the wrong way. I want to make it clear that I don't dive, this was the intention of my answer."