10 quotes on the 'Special One' Jose Mourinho

Former Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan coach, Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers world football has ever seen. He's won the Champions League twice, he's won multiple domestic league titles as well as cup competitions in the many leagues he's managed in. A walking guidebook on narcissism, Mourinho has often angered press and fellow managers with comments, digs and labels. The day he first faced the press in the Premier League – after being appointed as the manager of Chelsea in 2004 – Mourinho would go on to declare that he was 'the special one'. That was it. Box office.Since that day, he's come a long way and his comments have gotten that much more spicier. However, we look at what the world thinks of Mourinho and not the other way round. Here are ten quotes the sport's biggest personalities said on Mourinho – in no particular order:

#10 John Terry

John Terry was the rock in Chelsea's defence during both of Jose Mourinho's stints. The English defender won everything imaginable at Chelsea – not all with Mourinho – but still regards the Portuguese as the best.

#9 Deco

Deco had the chance to work with Jose Mourinho at both Porto and Chelsea; winning trophies in both stints.

#8 Michael Essien

The former Chelsea midfielder was often touted as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and he formed a good relationship with Jose Mourinho who even brought the Ghanaian to Real Madrid on loan.

#7 Wesley Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder's performances for Jose Mourinho and Inter won them the Champions League and the Scudetto.

#6 Javier Zanetti

Javier Zanetti was another soldier Jose Mourinho had while at Inter Milan.

#5 Patrick Vieira

Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira, chose Jose Mourinho as the manager who influenced him the most – even more than Arsene Wenger – in the 18-month spell at Inter Milan.

#4 Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid's living legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, had a Jekyll and Hyde-esque relationship with the former Madrid manager and here's one quote that describes the positive times the two of them shared.

#3 Marco Materazzi

Inter Milan and Italy legend, Marco Materazzi, won the Scudetto and the Champions League with Jose Mourinho and here he is praising the Portuguese.

#2 Sir Alex Ferguson

Formal Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has always had a soft spot for the Portuguese. Here's the quote that best describes their relationship. Context: Mourinho was going through a slump at Chelsea. Few months later, he would be sacked.

#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jose Mourinho shared time while at Inter Milan and the big Swede has often claimed Mourinho is the best manager he's ever had.

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Edited by Staff Editor