Pellegrini: I voted for Mourinho as manager of the year

The Portuguese dethroned Manchester City this season, winning Chelsea's first Premier League title in five years and the League Cup, with the Chilean backing his rival

Manuel Pellegrini has revealed he voted for Jose Mourinho as manager of the year.

The Chilean, who was overlooked for the same award last season despite winning the Premier League title and League Cup, saw his Chelsea counterpart dethrone Manchester City this term.

Mourinho, who was not rewarded with a monthly recognition from the Premier League during the season, has also claimed the same title-and-cup double but Pellegrini does not bear any grudges.

"I am a member of the LMA [League Managers Association] and I voted for Mourinho because I know what he has achieved is very good," Pellegrini told reporters.

"I can't explain what happened last year, so I don't think about it too much. I don’t think my opinion is very important.

"I wasn't chosen as the best manager, but I was very happy about what I did last season because we won two titles and we won them playing beautiful football and scoring lots of goals.

"I don't know how the decision can be made, but if they choose another manager that is the choice."