Veteran Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has heaped praise on coach Jose Mourinho, saying he is the best in the business.

Speaking in the Corriere dello Sport Materazzi said "For me, Mourinho is number one.

"At first when I said it, it may have seemed obvious, but a year down the road I maintain this. Between us, there is a relationship that goes beyond the sport and it is because we both have respect for the role of the other."

Materazzi, who turns 36 this August, has made just 14 appearances for Inter this season but still remains hapy at the club.

"Even if I have played little this season, I still feel like a star in this team. For example, I played in the important match we won against Juventus. When I am called upon I have always responded with a good performance".

Inter will win their fourth Scudetto in a row if they beat Siena at home this weekend.