London, Dec 24 (IANS): English football club Chelsea's coach Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Alex Ferguson saying the former Manchester United manager is a very good friend and he likes him very much.

Mourinho said maximisation of talent have been one of the key features that made Ferguson one of most successful mangers of all time.

"Everything, his talent, the time he put his talent at the service of Manchester United and football in general," he was quoted as saying by The Independent Wednesday.

"The passion that he has put in to everything, and after that in private moments, obviously, a good friend, a good person, a fantastic sense of humour. I like him very, very much."

Mourinho also added that whenever he has required advice from the 72-year-old, he has never refused him and provided constant support.

"Now and again I’ve had questions to put to him and the way he has answered to me was always magnificent and a great support," Mourinho said.

Ferguson was also full of praise for Mourinho some days earlier, saying it was "unfair" that the Chelsea manager was "good looking, multilingual and wins everything".