One of the best — Mourinho picks Chelsea player he would love at Benfica

Ahead of Benfica’s UEFA Champions League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, manager Jose Mourinho named Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as the player he would most like to coach at his current club.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the 62-year-old described the 25-year-old Portuguese international in glowing terms.

Neto himself had previously hailed the ex-Fenerbahce boss as the manager who paved the way for Portuguese players to succeed globally and stated that it would be a privilege to play under him.

Mourinho acknowledged Neto's quality while admitting that signing him is financially impossible for Benfica.

“Pedro Neto is one of the best wingers in the world,” Mourinho stated.

“Roberto [Martinez] at the [Portugal] national team is very privileged because he has not only Pedro Neto but four or five players of that profile.”

The Portuguese coach then brought the conversation back to Benfica’s standing. “At Benfica we don’t have as many. Of course, I would like Pedro Neto, but of course, he is playing in a different reality, much different from ours, especially financially.”

Mourinho concluded by expressing his best wishes for the player.

“What can I say? I can wish him the very best, injury-free career. And of course I thank him for his words as well.”