“I’m nobody to criticise [Neville’s] opinion, but when he takes this ridiculous route I have to defend [my player],” said Villas-Boas. “You cannot be a top English defender like [Neville] was, and a top Manchester United defender like he’s been [and say this] and I’d say this to his face with most pleasure.

“You cannot approach a top Brazil central defender, a player of tremendous aspirations and talent, saying he’s commanded by a kid with a PlayStation. That’s ridiculous. He plays for the team with most titles, so be careful with what you’re saying.

“Nor can you speculate about Chelsea’s dressing room. What does he know about the Chelsea dressing room? … Have you been here? Do you know where Cobham is? You don’t even know how to get here. You cannot speculate or invent based on assumptions or speculation. Some people can have more or less an idea. But not him. He cannot know. I’m normally indifferent, not watching on the telly to see what these people say. But I was watching the television at that moment, and I was gobsmacked.