Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted "you cannot buy" what he learned while playing alongside Diego Maradona as a youngster.
Pochettino began his career at Newell's Old Boys and crossed paths with Maradona during the twilight years of the Argentina legend's career.
While the Spurs boss was still learning his craft back in 1993 Maradona was already a national hero and returned to his homeland having won both trophies and accolades during an illustrious spell in European football.
Pochettino's time with Maradona was brief, as he earned his own chance to make the grade in Europe and joined Espanyol in 1994, but rubbing shoulders with the World Cup winner made a lasting impression.
“It was a dream to play with him," Pochettino told Tottenham's official website.
"On the first day, I went to go to sleep in the room, I could not sleep! It was like a dream or you are in a movie.
“It was fantastic. I learned things you cannot buy, things you cannot teach.
“For me, the most important thing I learned from him was that to be a great footballer, you need to love the game, to love training, to love sharing with your team-mates, to love touching the football."
Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, primarily due to his exploits at Barcelona, Napoli and international level.
However, although there is no definitive answer as to who is the best player ever Pochettino is adamant his countryman's ability should not be questioned.
“For me, Maradona is the best player I have seen in my life.
"It’s true you have Messi, Cristiano, Pele, Di Stefano and Cruyff but for me, Maradona is the best. It’s my generation.
“Then you have the possibility to be close to him - the charisma, the personality, everything," he insisted.
