Mesut Ozil has declared Roma coach Jose Mourinho the best football has seen this century.

Ozil, who announced his retirement this week, played for Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Mourinho's intervention that eventually convinced the German international to sign for Los Blancos instead of a switch to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

In his interview with Marca, Ozil explained: “For me, Jose Mourinho is the best coach of this century. His tactical understanding is on another level, but also his way of speaking in the dressing room and how he always protects his team in front of the media. He is truly a world class manager.

“I chose Real for him. He took me to see the stadium and all the trophies they had won. That gave me goosebumps. The visit to Barcelona was less exciting and what was most disappointing is that Pep Guardiola didn't even bother to meet me."