Friday 16 September 2016 16:08, UK
Walter Mazzarri has quashed claims he holds a grudge against Jose Mourinho and says he will offer the Manchester United manager a post-match drink at Watford on Sunday.
The pair clashed over five years ago, when Mazzarri was manager of Sampdoria and Napoli, while Mourinho was in charge at Inter Milan.
When talking about Mazzarri in February 2010, Mourinho's spokesman said: "A donkey can work hard but will never become a thoroughbred."
Mazzarri responded by dismissing Mourinho for talking "rubbish, so much rubbish".
However, the Watford manager now insists their previous rivalry no longer matters, and they will hold respect for each other when Manchester United visit Vicarage Road on Sunday.
"I have a very good relationship with Mourinho. Sometimes the press look at what happens in Italy; the same with (Chelsea's Antonio) Conte and Mourinho," said Mazzarri.
"It's normal when you fight for top positions that it happens but I have a very good relationship; a strong relationship with him. There is professional respect.
"Of course (I'll invite him for a drink). No problem."
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