Moratti hails 'unforgettable' Jose

San Siro supremo grateful for Portuguese tactician's service

By Danny Wright   Last updated: 23rd May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Moratti hails 'unforgettable' Jose

Moratti: Mourinho gratitude

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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has hailed the 'unforgettable' contribution of Jose Mourinho to the club.

Mourinho is almost certain to exit the San Siro to take over at Real Madrid after guiding the Serie A side to a UEFA Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich on Saturday evening.

The 2-0 victory completed a historic treble for the Nerazzurri, who also won the league title and Coppa Italia to round off a season that left Moratti full of praise for the Portuguese tactician.

And while he harbours faint hope of Mourinho remaining with his team, the Inter chief paid tribute to his manager for his exploits during his two years in charge.

Unforgettable person

Moratti said: "We will speak soon. Mourinho returned with the team to Milan. I don't think he has signed for another club because he is a serious person.

"Perhaps he has spoken to a team but I hope there is still a margin to convince him to change his mind. I am nevertheless grateful for Mourinho because he has allowed us to win so much.

"Mourinho has brought professionalism and a winning mentality to the club. He has great merit and he is an unforgettable person."

While Mourinho is being primed to take over at Santiago Bernabeu, speculation over the search for his successor in the Italian hot seat has already begun.

The Italian press have linked Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez to the soon-to-be-vacant post, while Turkey coach Guus Hiddink is also being touted as well as Catania boss Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Unique

Moratti says the heir to Mourinho's throne must stamp their own personality on the team.

"Mourinho is unique," said Moratti. "No-one can coach, motivate and communicate like he can.

"If somebody else should arrive in his place, he shouldn't try to imitate but move forward, with his own personality and try to lead a group that has overcome its complexes and that still has a lot to give."