Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has criticised Jack Wilshere for setting a bad example for children after the Arsenal midfielder was pictured smoking a cigarette earlier this week.

Mourinho believes that Wilshere, who was also caught smoking last year, should be more aware that he has a duty to fulfil as role model to younger people.

"What football players do, millions and millions are watching, lots of kids are watching," the Chelsea boss revealed to reporters.

"I'm not a specialist, obviously, but I don't think if a football player smokes one cigar or cigarette with friends in the summer when he is not training – I don't think it affects his performance.

"What gets affected is that a kid at home says if a top football player can smoke then I can smoke and it is not a problem."

Ashley Cole came out in defence of Wilshere earlier this week.