Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has left his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo out of his top-three footballers of all-time.
Jose Mourinho worked with Ronaldo from 20010-2013 and has always been full of praises for his former player, so the exclusion comes as a surprise.
The former Chelsea boss instead picked Brazil legend Pele along with Argentine duo of Maradona and Lionel Messi.
“For me the top three players in history are Messi, Pele and Maradona.” said the 53-year old Portugese.
Ronaldo played some of best football under his fellow country-men and also bagged the Ballon d’Or during Mourinho’s last season at the Spanish capital.
The statement is sure to backfire on the super-coach, with Real Madrid and Portugal fans sure to take offence with his comments.
His statement has gone viral on the internet and his son Jose Mourinho Jr. re-tweeted it.
Mourinho also left out his favourite striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Ibra’s exclusion is a huge surprise, knowing how big a fan Jose is of the Swedish legend.
Ibra has recently rejoined Mourinho at Old Trafford on a free transfer.
“Zlatan needs no introduction. The statistics speak for themselves,” Mourinho had said following Ibrahimovic’s signing last month.
“Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world and a player who always gives 100 per cent.”