Pedro Neto says Jose Mourinho is “one of the biggest names in Portugal” and facing him will be a point of “pride”.

Mourinho will return to the club he won three Premier League titles with over two spells as Benfica manager in the Champions League on Tuesday, 18 years on from his final game as Chelsea boss.

Much of Enzo Maresca and Pedro Neto’s pre-match news conference was dominated by chat around the Mourinho’s return, with Portugal international Neto paying tribute to his countryman.

“As a Portuguese [player] it will be a pride to play against Mourinho,” he said.

“What he represents to the club and what he represents to Portuguese people as well, the opportunity he gave to Portuguese people to go around the world and play in the best teams and manage the best clubs.

“We are really looking forward to playing against them and it is a really good opportunity to bounce back as well.”

After beginning his managerial career briefly with Benfica, Mourinho shot to superstardom with his success as Porto manager, winning five trophies in two scintillating seasons – including the Champions League – before moving to Chelsea in 2004.

A trophy-laden career has also included several controversies, but Neto believes his perception in his homeland will always remain positive.

“You cannot have a divided opinion on him,” he added.

“What he did for Portugal, what he did for Portuguese people, what he has won. People in Portugal respect him a lot and know the value that he has. Benfica hired him for that reason. He is one of the biggest names in Portugal with [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Luis] Figo.

“It would be a privilege to be managed by Jose Mourinho, who wouldn’t want to be managed by him?”