DEPORTES: José Mourinho “Para mi Los 3 mejores jugadores de la historia son #Messi, #Pelé y #Maradona”pic.twitter.com/4jXZTYRmkk — RADIO ATALAYA 680AM (@radioatalaya680) July 19, 2016

Mourinho was asked to pick who he thought were the best players of all time to which he replied: "For me the top three players in history are Messi, Pele and Maradona." The statement has gone viral on social media, even being retweeted by his son and the Spanish media have picked up one notable absence - Ronaldo.

GETTY Jose Mourinho has not included Cristiano Ronaldo in his top three players ever

Spanish newspaper Sport claim it's a surprise the Portugal international was left out and call his performances for Real Madrid under Mourinho 'outstanding'. The 31-year-old spent three-years working under the Portuguese at the Bernabeu, winning the 2013 Ballon d'Or in the process.

Jose Mourinho's mass Manchester United clear out Sun, July 10, 2016 Jose Mourinho could reportedly axe up to eight players from his Manchester United squad, according to The Sun. Which stars could be shown the door? Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 9 Jose Mourinho could reportedly axe up to eight players from his Manchester United squad, according to The Sun. Which stars could be shown the door?

However, Mourinho instead opted for Messi - Ronaldo's great rival and star of Barcelona, which is unlikely to sit well with the Real fans. Perhaps another surprise exclusion is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who Mourinho recently brought to Manchester United, and is known to have a strong bond with.