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Cape Town - Mitchell Johnson v Kevin Pietersen in the 2013/14 Ashes was one of the battles of the series.
Australia thrashed the English 5-0, with Johnson finishing as his side's leading wicket taker (37) and Pietersen the top English run scorer (294).
The two also clashed famously at the MCG in the fourth Test, but Pietersen was full of praise for Johnson on Tuesday after the Aussie quick retired from the international stage following his side's draw with New Zealand.
WATCH: JOHNSON V PIETERSEN - ASHES 2013
Posting a video to his Twitter account after returning to London from Durban, where he had been enjoying a T20 stint with the Dolphins, Pietersen spoke fondly of Johnson.
"What a competitor, what an unbelievable cricketer," said Pietersen.
"He transformed that Ashes series, the last one we played Down Under.
"I know he was the pantomime villain for the Barmy Army but he's got to take a lot of respect for that to know that, if they come after you, it's for a very good reason."
Pietersen spoke briefly about the many contests he had with Johnson.
"What a wonderful career. I've had some great battles with you and it's actually sad to see a competitor like you leave the game because what you bring to the game is a lot of energy," said Pietersen.
"When you turn up and you bowl ... it gets the crowd and it gets people watching on television so I think Australian cricket will miss you and the world of cricket will miss you."
Johnson finished his Test career with 311 wickets.
Dear, @MitchJohnson398 - https://t.co/gRO5lFdpXx
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) November 17, 2015
