Jose Mourinho didn't hesitate when naming his 'dream' player who he massively regrets never managing

Jose Mourinho did not hesitate in naming the one player he regrets not getting the chance to manage in his illustrious career.

Mourinho, who has won 26 trophies as a coach, has worked with some of the very best players to grace the game - including five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Wesley Sneijder and Frank Lampard.

The 61-year-old has taken charge of Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United among others

But the 61-year-old does feel as though he missed out on managing a dream player. When asked by YouTuber Ohm to pick out some superstars that he wished he'd worked with, Mourinho immediately singled out eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

Messi has unleashed all sorts of hurt on Mourinho when he was manager of Chelsea, Inter and Real, and though he has aimed jibes at him over the years, he holds him in the very highest regard.

He also did give props to Roma legends Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti, who he tried to sign but was unsuccessful in doing so.

"For example, I never got to train Lionel Messi, but then nobody can train Messi," he said.

"It is absurd to think you could coach him, because he was born with everything and already knows everything. He might teach you some things. All you could say is that you had the honour of having him in your squad.

"To stay in the Roma theme, I would’ve liked to have [Daniele] De Rossi at Inter and Real Madrid, but it was not possible. I also wanted [Francesco] Totti at Inter, despite his age at the time, but it was not possible either. These are players I always wanted in my career."

Jose Mourinho praised Lionel Messi and named him as the player he wished he managed. Image: Getty

Back in June, Mourinho doubled down with his praise on the Barcelona legend in a segment with Rio Ferdinand for TNT Sports.

Prior to the Champions League final between Real and Borussia Dortmund, he was asked which player he wish he signed and again opted for Messi, who he branded the little guy" and "not coachable" because of his natural ability.

"Of course I would say the little guy," Mourinho said.

"But the little guy was not coachable. But I have to say that in our generation, he was the best player."