Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini has paid tribute to Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho in his new book.
Mourinho achieved a famous Treble in Italy as Inter Milan coach. The Special One had only two seasons in Italy, but left an impression that is still being felt today.
In his two seasons, Mourinho twice won the Scudetto, a Super Cup and a Coppa Italia. He also took Inter to football's summit, leading them to the famous 2010 Champions League triumph in a season which ended also with the Serie A title and Coppa.
Mourinho famously chose to leave Inter on a high, quitting for Real Madrid moments after lifting the Champions League trophy. But the Portuguese's influence is still being felt ten years on, according to Chiellini.
The Juve captain, 35, was with the Bianconeri as Mourinho's Inter dominated over those two years and admits he has admired the now Spurs manager from afar.
In his new book, 'Io, Giorgio', Chiellini writes: "With José, another sacred monster on the bench, I have never spoken, apart from a few sporadic greetings. But his charisma has changed our sport.
"He always seeks war with someone or something, acting as a lightning rod. A bit like (Antonio) Conte: two strong characters that do not back down.
"Sometimes they do it by strategy, other times by nature. But they always have to fight. I think that Mourinho, for better or for worse, has brought emotions, a breath of fresh air. And I like those who transmit emotions, even if I hated him as an opponent, of course speaking sportily, because once the battle is over, only esteem remains.
"I don't hold a grudge, and Mourinho is a great character."
- updated May 18
