Jose Mourinho did not miss the chance to give himself a pat on the back in a congratulatory message to Spain's stars after their Euro 2024 final win over England. 

Luis de la Fuente's side ran out 2-1 victors in the Berlin showpiece on Sunday night thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute winner. 

And their roster included several players the Portuguese manager had under his wing during his three-year spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Mourinho took to Instagram to congratulate skipper Alvaro Morata and defender Nacho Fernandez, who he joked benefitted from his ability to spot their potential in the Los Blancos academy. 

But he also conceded his foresight was lacking when it came to right-back Dani Carvajal, who was sent out on loan to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen as youngster and made to wait until the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti in 2013 to make his Madrid debut. 

Jose Mourinho gave himself a pat on the back in his congratulatory message to Spain after their Euro 2024 triumph

The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss wrote: '2024/Champions League winner captain Nacho Fernandez/European Champion winner captain Alvaro Morata.

'Many congratulations to them and to the coach who gave them their debut when they were just kids in the Academy. Same coach who did not understand that Dani Carvajal was another one.

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'Many congratulations to Mister De La Fuente for an amazing job. Best team won!'

Mourinho's declaration that the 'best team won' was shared by nearly all observers of the European Championship, as Spain brushed aside every opponent they faced on their way to a record-fourth title. 

La Roja achieved a perfect record from their seven matches, beating defending champions Italy, World Cup finalists France and pre-tournament favourites Portugal and England on their way to the crown.

Mourinho is gearing up for his first season with Turkish side Fenerbahce and is tasked with returning them to the Super Lig title for the first time since 2013-14 on the back of a heartbreaking title race.

The Istanbul club garnered 99 points, winning 31 and only losing one of 38 league games, but lost out to bitter rivals Galatasaray.

Mourinho attracted tens of thousands of fans to his unveiling at Fenerbahce's Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in June, heralding in what he hopes is a glorious new era.

Having been sacked by Roma in January, the Portuguese boss received a hearty welcome and delivered an impassioned address.

Holding up a Fenerbahce shirt, he declared: 'This shirt is now my skin. Your dreams are now my dreams.'