Tendulkar told the British Broadcasting Corporation: "He was one of the best captains that I've played against and a tough character."

Hussain came under fire for employing frustrating tactics against Tendulkar on tour to India in 2001.

But the batsman said: "Whatever he did was within the regulations of the game -- there was no stage where he broke any laws. He was a great tactician."

Tendulkar, who is attending this weekend's European Grand Prix, added: "I'm sure people in England and all over the world are going to miss a character like that."

Tendulkar is the latest in a line of former opponents to pay tribute after Hussain called an end to his 96-Test career on Thursday, after scoring a match-winning century at Lord's.

Ex-South Africa paceman Allan Donald told BBC Sport: "He was one of those guys that fancied being in very tough situations, similar to Steve Waugh.

"Hussain was a tough opponent who never backed down from a challenge."

Former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams praised Hussain but also questioned the timing of his retirement.

"I think it's strange he's retiring seeing as he's just scored a Test hundred," Adams said.

"There must be reasons outside cricket because his cricket looks to be pretty good at the minute.

"Only Nasser knows how he feels and it can't have been an easy decision considering his recent form. But what better way to leave Test cricket?

"England are losing somebody in the here and now, somebody who is coming off a Test hundred, so it's something they can't take lightly."