Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho ahead of tomorrow's derby.

The duo worked together when Mourinho was in charge of Arteta's Barcelona B team back in 1999, and will be reunited in this weekend's north London derby.

"I know him well," he said. "We spent some time together in Barcelona and obviously we've played against each other a million times. I admire him, I think what he's done in the game is incredible, it's remarkable.

"He has a unique character and personality. He's someone that I think in football we have to appreciate and admire. Me, as a young coach, I know what it takes to be sitting where we are and the way he's done it in different countries takes a lot of guts.

"He's brave and then he has an edge to be able to transmit a mentality to everyone to keep winning. That mentality for me is what makes him really special."