Poll has retired from refereeing even though he could have continued for a further five years at the top level.

The Tring official has been at odds with Mourinho for a number of seasons and the Chelsea coach was furious with Poll for red-carding captain John Terry in their 2-1 defeat by Tottenham at White Hart Lane earlier this term.

He was also at odds with him during their goalless draw with Manchester United last week when he mistakenly thought Poll had sent him to the stands for furiously contesting one of his decisions.

But Mourinho has now praised Poll for his intelligent decision to quit while he is at the top of his game.

Mourinho declared: "I think it is a great quality to decide when to stop.

"It is a great quality. Only intelligent people can do it. As a player, as a manager, as a referee, I think there is a right moment to stop.

"Especially for people who are really top, there is the moment to stop. He has stopped at the top.

"I wish Mr. Poll a great future in his new life. I always remember him as a great referee.

"When I was in Porto I got him in a couple of Champions League matches and I was always very happy.

"But from season to season, I was more worried every time he was involved in one of our games.

"So I think he made a good decision for him because people will remember him as a very good referee and an intelligent person who chose the perfect moment to stop.

"It is a good decision and I wish him well."

Poll is alleged to be a Chelsea fan and Mourinho insisted that, if that was the case, he would be welcome to drop in and see him in the future.

Mourinho added: "If it is true he is a Chelsea supporter and he wants to come and see us now and again the door will be open."