Lyon winger Memphis Depay has paid tribute to Jose Mourinho despite the Manchester United manager deeming him surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Depay, 22, completed a €16 million transfer to Lyon last Friday after falling out of favour with Mourinho, who gave the Netherlands international just four brief run-outs as a substitute in the Premier League this season.
After the move went through, Mourinho praised Depay's attitude and suggested the former PSV Eindhoven man could even return to the club if he is successful in Ligue 1.
"His words were nice. In Manchester, I always worked as I had to. For me personally, it wasn't all that easy, I needed to play. But we didn't have a bad relationship," Depay, whose transfer could earn United up to €25 million with add-ons, told OL TV.
"He's a great coach and a great person. Now we'll see here how I play. In any case, I think he has said good things about me."
French media and Lyon fans were united in their praise of Depay after his 11-minute cameo in his new club's 3-1 victory over Marseille on Sunday.
With Lyon, currently fourth in the table, seeking to secure a top-three finish and qualify for next season's Champions League, Depay's arrival is expected to provide a welcome boost to their attack.
Depay believes his talents and those of Lyon's leading scorer, Alexandre Lacazette, who has 17 goals from 16 league games this season, can work in tandem to great effect.
"I'm known because I score goals and provide assists. But I also know the leading scorer here, Alexandre Lacazette. We have a good understanding, his movement is very good," said Depay, who hopes to make his first Lyon start in Saturday's Ligue 1 home game with Lille.
"I feel very good, in top form. My first week was good, training went very well, and little by little I'm getting back into the rhythm. Now I think I'm ready to start a game as of the next match. I'm training hard, my fitness is good. I think I can push for a starting place for the next game."