The Portuguese coach continues to be amazed at the status of footballers when compared to people from other professions

Jose Mourinho is baffled at the influence on society of footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, considering they “don't save lives”.

The Chelsea boss - one of the most recognisable figures in football - believes people from other walks of life deserve greater status given the tasks they perform on a daily basis.

Mourinho also questioned those who regard football as the most important thing 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.

"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 the Chelsea 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.