Former Real Madrid and Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has paid tribute to Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.

The Dutch playmaker, who retired in 2019, enjoyed the best spell of his career under Mourinho, in a side which won the Champions League, Serie A and the Coppa Italia in 2010.

"He knew how to handle us so well. He said, 'I give you guys more freedom than you are used to and, in ­return, I get a better team'," Sneijder said.

"During games he ­demanded everything from us. But away from the pitch he gave us a lot of space. Drinking wine, fags… I am sure he knew that we were doing this stuff."