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Mourinho reveals what he really thinks of ex-rival Wenger

Jose Mourinho has declared former rival boss Arsene Wenger as “one of the best” football managers of all-time.

The duo clashed on the touchline and via the media on a number of occasions during Mourinho’s time as Chelsea and Manchester United boss in the Premier League.

The Portuguese coach famously branded former Arsenal manager Wenger a “specialist in failure” but Mourinho took a very different view on the Frenchman’s career on Monday.

Wenger won a lifetime achievement award at the Laureus World Sport Awards in Monaco, where a video was played of Mourinho congratulating his former adversary on his achievements.

“There were some episodes along the road,” Mourinho said.

“I can only speak by myself. I really enjoyed the competition. But the real respect was always there.

“He made lots of history in that football club. The nickname is there – the ‘Invincibles.’ Amazing.

“A coaching philosophy, the almost perfect team.

“He is one of the best football managers in the history of football.”