Twitter Reacts as Jose Mourinho Compares Eden Hazard to Cristiano Ronaldo

Jose Mourinho is no stranger to making incendiary comments, and with the new season just around the corner, the Chelsea boss appears to be ramping up his output. The Special One has explained that the Blues' closest rivals are trying to buy the title—apparently without a hint of irony—and he has re-opened his war of words with Arsene Wenger by attacking Arsenal's apparent financial clout (as per Sky Sports).

Now, Mourinho has set tongues wagging once again by claiming Eden Hazard was better than Cristiano Ronaldo last season. Sky Sports quotes:

"

"Last season, yes [Hazard was better]," Mourinho said. "In spite of the fact that Ronaldo was fantastic. He was fantastic. He scored an incredible number of goals.

"I am not saying he is not fantastic. I am just saying that, in my personal view, every football player in the world should understand that a team has to be in front and no titles."

"

On Twitter, the comment inspired almost as much astonishment as Tesco pulling Ribena from their shelves. Almost. 

"

Ronaldo, goals last season: 61 Hazard, goals last season: 19 Mourinho: 'Hazard is the better player.' https://t.co/G61FXZV6O7

— Footy Jokes (@Footy_Jokes) July 28, 2015"

As Hazard trended, the jokes soon started to spread: 

"

Mourinho said Hazard is better then Ronaldo and then called Wenger a big spender  pic.twitter.com/0ZyMNou390

— Liya (@LiyaBergkamp) July 28, 2015"

"

Jose Mourinho says Eden Hazard is better than Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/738Owc2c4V

— Football Tips (@footballtips) July 28, 2015"

"

Messi - 400 goals in 471 games. Ronaldo - 302 goals in 291 games. And Mourinho claims Hazard is in their league. pic.twitter.com/3b7OkKdPfZ

— Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) April 20, 2015"

Many were quick to denounce Mourinho's theory, while questioning the sanity of the 52-year-old manager:

The opportunity to sledge Hazard was taken advantage of, with many folks drawing on players such as Gareth Bale and Alexis Sanchez for further comparison: 

"

Bale - bad season: 28 games:13 goals, 8 assists. Hazard- best season of his career: 35 games: 14 goals, 8 assists. Just Saying

— aguerosergiox (@aguerosergiox) July 28, 2015"

"

Even Bale at his worst season had the same goals and assists as Hazard!  https://t.co/i1nCc7JZJq

— ♔ღ♔Mr.Omar.C.R♔ღ♔ (@OMAR_CR7_) July 28, 2015"

There were some rather more unflattering comparisons circulating, too:

At this stage, Hazard might have felt a little hurt if he had taken a cursory glance at his timeline:

However, the PFA Player of the Year still had support in several corners, including one fan who appeared to agree with Mourinho: 

Several Hazard sympathisers also chose to extinguish the flames of hate with some empirical data:

Ultimately, Mourinho's comments appear to have brought a wave of negative publicity upon the west London club. However, as always, the fans have an appropriate response: