Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for his positive words this week. Ferguson declared he could see Mourinho succeeding him at Manchester United.

"That is what friends are like, they always speak nicely about each other. Friendship is like that, always being there for your friends," said Mourinho.

"Some people think that there is room for betrayal in friendship and others have a deep respect. His succession is a long way off and it will be ten years away because he is stronger every year. What would he want to retire for?"