Many say that Jose Mourinho has evolved since he left Chelsea seven years back. But, the thing that has remained constant is his style of throwing equivocal statements.

Yesterday, in a press conference, he said, “For a player to be selected for his country, normally he must be first choice at his club,”

“He must play very regularly with the club and I think that’s the big motivation if they are thinking about the World Cup,” Mourinho added.

“So any player that wants to go to the World Cup, if they are a second choice in their club, they are in trouble… they are in trouble.”

Probably, the message was directed to Wayne Rooney for whom Chelsea lodged an official bid two days ago, which was rebuffed.

A very common issue that happens with each and every club, but here the matter took a new level, as it was disclosed in the public, through official statements, which would only result in sour relationship between the two clubs. Already, the relationship between Rooney and club hierarchies have worsened with David Moyes’ recent comments, where he clearly stated that the former Everton star will play a second-fiddle to Robin van Persie.

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Clearly, Mourinho found a way to tempt Rooney by reminding him again that he simply cannot afford to play a bit-part role, especially in a World Cup year.

But, then again, even if Rooney doesn’t play regularly he would still be the man leading the attacking line of England national team in Brazil. Simply because, England don’t have any other striker as good as Rooney.

But, the message could also be directed towards other players too, like Fernando Torres. If Chelsea sign a new striker, the Spaniard would have to fight his way back for the starting place in the side.

With such a statement, Jose not only instilled a caution in the wind, he also threw a challenge towards players who are aiming to represent their nation in the World Cup finals, as he urged them to take it as a “big motivation”.