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Jose Mourinho labelled Jamie Carragher 'a real artist' as he paid tribute to the Bootle native's 17 years of dedication to the Liverpool cause.
The defender brought the curtains down on his remarkable Anfield career following a poignant final game against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
And in an exclusive interview for LFC TV's new 'Carragher' documentary, which airs for the first time on Friday night, Mourinho spoke of his admiration for the 35-year-old's approach to the game.
"Normally, the world of football cries when what they call 'the artists' finish their career," said the former Chelsea boss. "But people don't really know what an artist is.
"For me, the artist is a guy who gives everything to his manager, to his club, to his fellow players on the pitch. And I think Jamie represents all of this.
"[These players] for me are the real artists, so when one of them finishes their career, I'm always a bit sad."
Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007, during which time Rafael Benitez's Liverpool were the sworn enemy - particularly in cup competitions.
The Reds came out on top in two Champions League semi-finals, in 2005 and 2007, and beat the Blues in an FA Cup semi in 2006.
"I never worked with Jamie but I played against him a dozen times and I understand what he means," continued Mourinho.
"He is an artist who gave everything to his Liverpool shirt, to the fans, to every manager he ever worked with and to the players.
"But [his decision to retire] is one that he has made for the good of his family and to enjoy a different kind of life.
"He leaves on a high by showing everybody that he can keep going. I wish him and his family well."
The defender brought the curtains down on his remarkable Anfield career following a poignant final game against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
And in an exclusive interview for LFC TV's new 'Carragher' documentary, which airs for the first time on Friday night, Mourinho spoke of his admiration for the 35-year-old's approach to the game.
"Normally, the world of football cries when what they call 'the artists' finish their career," said the former Chelsea boss. "But people don't really know what an artist is.
"For me, the artist is a guy who gives everything to his manager, to his club, to his fellow players on the pitch. And I think Jamie represents all of this.
"[These players] for me are the real artists, so when one of them finishes their career, I'm always a bit sad."
Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007, during which time Rafael Benitez's Liverpool were the sworn enemy - particularly in cup competitions.
The Reds came out on top in two Champions League semi-finals, in 2005 and 2007, and beat the Blues in an FA Cup semi in 2006.
"I never worked with Jamie but I played against him a dozen times and I understand what he means," continued Mourinho.
"He is an artist who gave everything to his Liverpool shirt, to the fans, to every manager he ever worked with and to the players.
"But [his decision to retire] is one that he has made for the good of his family and to enjoy a different kind of life.
"He leaves on a high by showing everybody that he can keep going. I wish him and his family well."
