Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admits Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is an inspiration.
Mourinho has no doubt his friend Fergie is a very special one.
Mourinho said: "He has been a total inspiration for me. I've always maintained he was one of the key reasons why I came to England and managed Chelsea.
"His enthusiasm for football is infectious, he is also a role model for every aspiring manager. When you think about Sir Alex Ferguson two things come to mind - he's unique and successful."
Turning to United lifting their 12th Premier League title during Ferguson's reign, Mourinho went on: "I think it's an incredible achievement.
"His hunger, desire and thirst for success show no sign of subsiding. The more trophies he wins, the more he wants.
"He lives to win and expects, no demands, that his players deliver on the field."
