The Portuguese coach was hosted by Reds marketing director Adli Al-Qaeyi on Tuesday, and the former was deeply moved when one of Abdul-Wahab's relatives phoned in.

"Abdul-Wahab's demise was the toughest ever throughout my 44-year football career," a tearful Jose told Ahli T.V.

"I was informed with his death when I was in France, it really affected me.

"I think Abdul-Wahab's death was an example for the players of how tough life is."

Abdul-Wahab collapsed during a morning training session with the Cairo giants in August 2006, due to a blood circulation problem.

Jose revealed how he stood by the CAN 2006 winner when he came across as a below-par player from UAE's Al-Zafra.

"He was a fantastic player, I asked everybody to be patient with him when he was criticized," he added.

Watch Jose remember Abdul-Wahab