JOSE MOURINHO IS baffled at how well-loved the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are, considering they “don’t save lives”.
The Chelsea boss is one of the most recognisable faces in football, but the global idolisation of the Real Madrid and Barcelona stars dwarf even his status.
And Mourinho has spoken out about the crazy adulation some players receive, questioning the sanity of those who are convinced that the sport is more important than anything else in life.
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“I am passionate about football, of course,” the former Real Madrid boss told The Daily Telegraph. “But for us professionals, if it means everything then we are in trouble; and for supporters it is the same.
“In Portugal they say that you can change everything except your mum and your football club. I understand football’s power, socially, politically and culturally, but how can a football player be in the top 100 of the most influential people in the world in Forbes magazine?”
When it was pointed out to Mourinho that two footballers are in the top 100, Ronaldo (30th) and Messi (45th), he added: “It’s absurd! We don’t save lives!
“I know that people can jump from a fifth floor because their team lost a game, but that person has problems.
“How can you compare a football player, a football manager with a scientist, a doctor? You cannot compare.”
Mourinho worked with Ronaldo for three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he clashed with Messi’s Barcelona on numerous occasions, before returning to Chelsea’s helm in 2013.
After a silverware-less first season back at Stamford Bridge, he lifted the League Cup earlier this year and his Blues have a comfortable seven-point lead in the Premier League with a game in hand.
'Ronaldo and Messi don't save lives!' - Mourinho baffled by footballers' influence
JOSE MOURINHO IS baffled at how well-loved the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are, considering they “don’t save lives”.
The Chelsea boss is one of the most recognisable faces in football, but the global idolisation of the Real Madrid and Barcelona stars dwarf even his status.
And Mourinho has spoken out about the crazy adulation some players receive, questioning the sanity of those who are convinced that the sport is more important than anything else in life.
“I am passionate about football, of course,” the former Real Madrid boss told The Daily Telegraph. “But for us professionals, if it means everything then we are in trouble; and for supporters it is the same.
“In Portugal they say that you can change everything except your mum and your football club. I understand football’s power, socially, politically and culturally, but how can a football player be in the top 100 of the most influential people in the world in Forbes magazine?”
When it was pointed out to Mourinho that two footballers are in the top 100, Ronaldo (30th) and Messi (45th), he added: “It’s absurd! We don’t save lives!
“I know that people can jump from a fifth floor because their team lost a game, but that person has problems.
Mourinho worked with Ronaldo for three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he clashed with Messi’s Barcelona on numerous occasions, before returning to Chelsea’s helm in 2013.
After a silverware-less first season back at Stamford Bridge, he lifted the League Cup earlier this year and his Blues have a comfortable seven-point lead in the Premier League with a game in hand.
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bemused Cristiano Ronaldo Influence Jose Mourinho Lionel Messi Save Lives Chelsea Real Madrid