Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Arsene Wenger by describing him as "one of the best managers in the history of football".

The rival bosses had a number of run-ins during their time managing in the Premier League.

Wenger, who spent 22 years with Arsenal prior to leaving at the end of last season, was famously once called a "specialist in failure" by former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Mourinho.

With both men now out of work, though, the Portuguese has insisted that he has always had respect for his opposite number.

"There were some episodes along the road. I can only speak by myself. I really enjoyed the competition. But the real respect was always there," he said in a video message for Wenger, who picked up a Lifetime Achievement gong at Laureus World Sports Awards.

"He made lots of history in that football club. The nickname is there - the Invincibles. Amazing. A coaching philosophy, the almost perfect team. He is one of the best managers in the history of football."

Wenger is reportedly weighing up a number of offers as he prepares to make his return to football.