Mourinho names Collina 'star of tournament'

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has picked out Italian referee Pierluigi Collina as the star of Euro 2004.

Collina, who is now favourite to handle the final after Italy were eliminated, has impressed Mourinho with his performances in the opening game between Portugal and Greece and the match between England and Croatia.

In his column for Portuguese sports daily O Jogo, Mourinho wrote: “In the games between Portugal and Greece and England and Croatia he (Collina) was the best player on the pitch.

“At the very least he should be given the final now that Italy are out. It would also be sensible to re-evaluate the age for the obligatory end to his career.”

Mourinho also suggested Collina as a candidate for European player of the year.

“Maybe it’s an exaggeration but it is a sign of the quality of his career but I say: ’Give him the Balon d’Or for being the best professional in Europe’.

“Does anyone doubt he is the top professional?”

Collina handled the 2002 World Cup final and the epic 1999 Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Unless retirement rules are waived he will have to quit at the end of next season.