What Football Legends Say About Jose

Sir Alex Ferguson is among several high-profile figures to have praised Jose Mourinho in the past, [previously describing the Portuguese coach as "a spectacular manager".

The 53-year-old - who was confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday - has enjoyed successful spells in charge of some of the world's biggest clubs, winning the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as three Premier League titles in two stints with Chelsea.

Mourinho's achievements have led to him lauded by players, pundits and footballing legends alike, and we've compiled some of the best quotes about the new United boss...

"The success that Jose Mourinho achieved during his first season at Chelsea in 2004/05, when he won the Premier League and League Cup, was mainly due to his stubbornness, the determined manner he scratched out victories and the fact that he had his players believing he was the Messiah. He is a great leader and spectacular manager who has achieved major triumphs in four different countries. It's hard to think of anyone else who has done that." - Sir Alex Ferguson in Leading, his book on management*.

“In his first year we won the Scudetto. He gave us his great mentality and in every arena we walked into his strength prevailed.” - Javier Zanetti, speaking to Inter Channel.

“I would put him at the top, I always say that. He’s a good coach, he did many good things and won many trophies for other clubs.” - Cristiano Ronaldo, speaking to BT Sport.

“Thank you doesn’t seem enough. The very best I’ve ever worked with.” - John Terry, in a tweet following Mourinho’s depature from Chelsea.

“I think Mourinho is the perfect coach to train United. I worked with him when he was starting in football. At that time, we had fantastic players and one young coach like Mourinho giving us everything us he knows. We won everything we could. The memories are good and he was the best coach that I had.” – Deco, speaking to Omnisport.

“Mourinho is a powerhouse. In football we have powerhouses who are players, and ever since I met Mourinho, we can say that there are powerhouses who are managers. And he certainly is, without any doubt at all. He is a very special person for me. As a coach he is incredible, number one. It was he who gave me confidence, and I enjoyed playing football like never before. And as a person he reaches you much more than in his role as coach.” – Wesley Sneijder, speaking to Marca.

“Jose Mourinho is the best manager I have played under. He is a true person, a 100 per cent true person and that for me is the first quality you must have if you want to be a manager. He’s an excellent motivator, a good strategist and a great manager.” – Marco Materazzi, speaking to Sky Sports.

“Mourinho would become a guy I was basically willing to die for.” – Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his book, I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

*The paperback edition of 'Leading' by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Michael Moritz.