Mourinho favourite Cesar nearly joined Arsenal after QPR relegation in 2012

The goalkeeper, who won the treble with Inter under Jose Mourinho in 2010, was playing for Queens Park Rangers at the time, and was looking for a new club following their relegation from the Premier League.

The former Brazil shot-stopper had an unforgettable spell at the San Siro, winning the treble under Mourinho in the 2009-10 season.

Achieving legendary status with the Serie A giants Inter, he made 298 appearances over the course of seven successful seasons, and conceded just 45 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions during Inter's Treble-winning campaign.

He was, though, playing behind a defence which included ex-Argentina international Walter Samuel, Cristian Chivu and Brazilian compatriots Maicon and Lucio.

Cesar, who still views the self-anointed 'Special One' as one of the game's great managers, left the Italian giants after they had to reduce their wage bill.

Asking him to take a pay cut, he decided the time was right to move on and was persuaded to move to QPR after being enticed with a lucrative four-year contract.

QPR were relegated to the Championship the season he joined, after finishing rock bottom in the English top flight with 30 points.

When asked if he regrets joining the club, Cesar said: "I don't think so because the Premier League is the best league in the world," he told SPORTbible.

"I think every football player needs to have this opportunity to play in the Premier League. The atmosphere, the stadiums, the fans. It's perfect.

"When I decided to move to QPR, financially it was amazing for me - I need to be honest. I didn't have other offers because at that time I was taking a good salary from Inter and nobody wanted to give me what I was getting.

"When I arrived at QPR for this project, there were other big names at the club and I accepted it, because I understood that my time at Inter was done. I enjoyed it a lot because when I decided to move to QPR I thought I would do well in my first season and maybe with my name one of the biggest clubs would sign me."

Cesar revealed he could have joined Arsenal following QPR's relegation, but a move failed to materialise, and he ended up joining Benfica.

"At the end of the season, I remember I almost signed with Arsenal but we didn't find a solution. But it was amazing because I had some great games, especially against some of the bigger clubs - Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea.

"I wanted to play the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and the only solution that I found was to choose to go to QPR. I don't regret my choice because I enjoyed it."

Cesar was full of praise for Mourinho, and insists he is up their with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

"For me, Mourinho will go down as one of the best coaches in football," added Cesar of the boss who has now added the UEFA Conference League to the two Champions Leagues and two UEFA Cup/Europa Leagues in his collection of winners medals.

"His mentality, his philosophy, his methodology to work and train players… he will take a normal player and make him believe that he is the best in the world. It is amazing."