The former Inter midfielder won the Champions League under the Portuguese coach in 2010 and sees similarities between that team and the Juventus side that has made the final

Former Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic has described Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, with whom he won the Champions League in 2010, as "one of a kind".

Mourinho led Inter to a surprise victory in Europe's top competition five years ago, seeing off his rival Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team in the semi-finals.

And Stankovic, who is now an assistant coach at Udinese, remembers his time under the Portuguese at San Siro as the best period of his career.

"For me Mourinho is one of a kind," he said in an interview for online football management game Top Eleven, for which Mourinho is an ambassador. 

"And as he says, he is 'the special one'. Most of all because he managed to bring something out in me that I didn't know I had. It's incredible. I will never stop thanking him for those two splendid years that we spent together. 

"I'm still in touch with him. I called him last week to congratulate him on his latest achievement, which I know won't be the last one of his career. He'll always be someone I look up to.

"He was not able to make any headway in the Champions League this year but I know him well, and I know that he will aim to win it next year.

"Top Eleven players are all managers and they follow the advice of Jose Mourinho. Because he is one who loves strategy, who studies the opponent and who puts the right team on the pitch to challenge the opponent."

Stankovic admitted he was surprised to see Juventus reach the Champions League final - and sees similarities with the Inter side he starred in.

"In the final round it reminded me of Inter in 2010 when they managed to get through in the second to last match," he recalled. "With great spirit and determination they managed to make it to the final. 

"It's nothing new for Barcelona, it's the norm for them, as they have a very high overall level - not just the strikers. 

"Everyone is talking about the fantastic trio up front but as far as I'm concerned, defence and midfield really matter as well. It will be a great final and I don't think it will be an easy win for Barcelona. 

"I know it will be a hard-fought match that will require a lot of strategy. I don't expect there to be many goals but for those who like football and well-orchestrated tactics, it should be a good show."