TRUCE: Ex-Manchester United, Chelsea Manager delivers glowing tribute to French arch-rival Wenger

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho “The Special One” has finally made peace with ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger following periods of tension sparked by the intense rivalry between the two London-based clubs.

Unlike Mourinho, who has managed different clubs in the same league, Wenger spent all his time in England at the Gunners. Apart from former Man United head coach Alex Ferguson, no other coach has managed for a longer time than the Frenchman.

The pair (Mourinho and Wenger) are among the Premier League’s most celebrated managers boasting several domestic honours. Wenger guided Arsenal to an unbeaten season back in the 2003-04 campaign while the Portuguese won the title three times with Chelsea.

Their relationship was characterised by heated exchanges and physical contact on the touchline, to the extent of Mourinho branding Wenger ‘a specialist in failure’.

But in the recent times, the ‘special one’ seems to have changed his thoughts on Wenger and made peace following the Frenchman’s triumph at the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday – where he won a lifetime Achievement Award.

Through a video message at the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday, February 18, Mourinho had nothing but love for his old rival, describing him as one the best managers in the world.

“There were some episodes along the road. I can only speak by myself. I really enjoyed the competition. But the real respect is always there. He made lots of history in that football club. One of the best football managers in the history of football,” said Mourinho.

The pair are now enjoying their time off the touchline after Mourinho’s sacking at Manchester united and Wenger’s derparture at the end of the last campaign.

For Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United fanbases combined, this is good news because it is tipped to heal relationships especially between Arsenal and Manchester United fans. 

Social media was flooded with reaction following Mourinho’s comments. Here are some of the responses on social media:

Wenger and Mourinho end their feud finally pic.twitter.com/w8Bl04oLeK— Report Minds (@Reportminds) February 19, 2019

😂😂😂 you don’t need to be a great footballer to be a great manager. Mourinho, Wenger amongst others
— ELDER STATESMAN 🦁 (@its_pryme) February 20, 2019
Mourinho once called Wenger a failure.
Now Wenger is one of the greats.

Where are those prayer warriors?
— Ezio Xerxes (@Zechorieus) February 19, 2019