The Portuguese has coached at a number of the world's biggest stadia, but he revealed that the fans in Milan were like no others he had come across.

"Many will criticise me, but if I have to choose between Bernabeu and San Siro, I always go with second, where supporting is special," Mourinho told Economico.

The former Porto and Chelsea coach celebrates 100 Champions League games when Real take on Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Mourinho looks on fondly at his experience in Europe's elite club football competition, singling out victories over Manchester United and Barcelona as highlights.

"There are many, but I mainly remember the Manchester United-Porto game that made us feel that we could be European champions," he said.

"Also the Chelsea-Barcelona match where we won 4-2.

"The Inter-Barcelona semi-final when Milan won 3-1 (is also special).

"The second leg - the one I call the game of heroes at Camp Nou - when we were reduced to 10 for more than an hour. It was special because we were able to lead Inter to the final in Madrid."