Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that Eden Hazard wants custom-built shin pads to protect him from fouls.

The Belgian winger would like a pair of carbon shin pads that also cover his calves during games.

Hazard is statistically the most fouled player in the Premier League and Champions League this season, and Mourinho has called for referees to offer him greater protection during games.

"Eden told me to speak with my friends who make the carbon shin pads," the 52-year-old told reporters.

"I am not joking. He told me to speak with them because I am friends with the guy, to try to make it also for the back [of his calves]. Like a horse, when the horses do the jumping – in front and behind. Because now he gets [kicked] behind.

"Referees have to understand that sometimes little fouls are big fouls in the context of the game. A player that is a specialist in stopping counter-attacks. The team loses the ball, he makes the foul. It is a small foul, but it stops the counter-attack. And I think Eden is punished in both ways."

Hazard was awarded nine free kicks in Chelsea's first-leg tie with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, leaving Mourinho unhappy with the player's treatment during the match.