Mourinho: Benfica-bound Vertonghen ´certainly among the best´

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Jan Vertonghen is among the best players he has ever worked with and wished the defender well ahead of his imminent move to Benfica. 

Belgium international Vertonghen confirmed his Tottenham exit last month following eight seasons with the club. 

The 33-year-old made over 300 appearances for the Premier League side and finished his Spurs career under Mourinho. He is expected to complete a free transfer to Benfica in the near future. 

Mourinho has wished the centre-back well in Portugal with Benfica, who have confirmed the return of head coach Jorge Jesus ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. 

“He will be a great man to play in the Portuguese League. A big professional, a silent leader, an example in a work group,” Mourinho told Portuguese newspaper Record.

@JanVertonghen: “I came here every day and it was just like hanging out with my friends and playing football.”  #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/93Q1dLI9ic

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 28, 2020

“Fortunately I’ve met many throughout my career, but Jan is certainly among the best.  

“As a player, everyone knows him and the Benfica coach, as well as his structure, certainly analysed everything he can bring to the team.  

“I wish him to be very happy in my country. At Spurs we’ll all be behind a person who is very dear to us.”