A visibly moved Jose Mourinho fought hard to 'hold back the tears' when Wesley Sneijder paid tribute to him in an emotionally-charged speech.
Sneijder, 36, was widely considered as one of the best midfielders in the world in 2010 thanks to his phenomenal influence for club and country.
The Dutchman played an integral role in Mourinho's plans as Inter Milan captured the Serie A title, Coppa Italia and Champions League in their remarkable treble-winning season.
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Sneijder also played a vital role on the international stage as the Netherlands reached the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
However, the former Netherlands international saw his dreams crushed as Andres Iniesta scored the winner in extra-time for Spain.
Sneijder managed to secure his place in the 2010 FIFA FIFPro World XI alongside Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta.
And the ex-Inter maestro dedicated the end of his speech to Mourinho as he said it was a "pleasure to work with him" and hailed him the "best coach in the world."
Speaking at the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony, Sneijder said: "To win the Champions League is a dream. For me, it was an amazing year.
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"And yeah, I think it can be better, but we'll go for it because I want to win the World Cup.
"First of all, it was a pleasure to work with Jose Mourinho. And I want to tell him this on stage: it was a pleasure to work with him.
"I think he is, for me, the best coach in the world."
Sneijder was widely tipped as one of the favourites to land the 2010 Ballon d'Or after Inter's 2009-10 season.
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However, many fans still believe that the former Real Madrid and Ajax midfielder was 'robbed' of France Football's coveted prize as he finished outside of the top three.
Topics: Football News, Jose Mourinho, Football, Serie A, France Football, Special One, Ballon d'Or, Inter Milan