Mourinho name Alvaro Arbeloa among 'most important players' during his time at Real Marid

Jose Mourinho is reputed for being the big, bad boy of football. He's incredibly outspoken, unabashed and never minces his words.

As a result, his list of enemies is very long and it's rare to hear him speaking fondly of another manager - let alone a player. However, Mourinho has made an exception for former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of Florentino Perez's famous Galacticos but Mourinho's open letter will make you look at him in a different light.

He wrote to Marca: "Arbeloa is a friend, not just a player for me. How does a player become a friend?

"By becoming an example of passion for his profession of love for his club, of dedication to a working group and its objectives, humility and honour in the relationship with all those who work with him every day.

"In the history of our huge club it will have many of the best players in the world. Arbeloa does not have that profile, but he is certainly one of those who has given Real Madrid, its fans, all his coaches and his team-mates all he had and what had not.

"Arbeloa I have only words of thanks. In my 16 years of coaching I have, surely, on the podium of the most important players with whom I have worked. A good player and an exceptional man."

Who knew Mourinho could make us tear up because of a letter he wrote in 2016?

If anything, this just goes to show us that talent isn't everything even in football. You could be the most talented player on the field but if your attitude is poor, you'll never get far - be it as a Real Madrid player or anywhere else. Just ask Mourinho!