Porto President Jose Pinto da Costa denies making comments in which he allegedly described Iker Casillas’ signing as a ‘fiasco.’
Pinto da Costa was reported as making the remark at a private dinner but he insisted there was no truth to the rumour, laying the blame on arguements in Spain over Casillas’ role in the national team.
“It might not be comfortable for many in Spain, for the many responsible for his departure from Real Madrid, that he can be captain and starter for Spain and, perhaps, lifting another international trophy,” Marca quotes him as saying.
“If they want to write this or that, leave Casillas alone, because, if the Spain goalkeeper is the best, I’m sure it will be him.”
Pinto da Costa also took issue with the idea he made the comment to Jose Manuel de Mello, who in fact died in 2009, though the report from El Confidencial claimed the dinner was with de Mello’s family, and not de Mello himself.
“I’ve never had lunch or dinner with the dead – there’s some I’d like to do that with – but it’s no more than an absurdity,” he added.
Pinto da Costa added that the club, far from being unhappy with Casillas’ performances, had instead offered a contract renewal to 2018.
“The ball is now in their court. The deal is done. I told them to sign when they want,” he revealed, leaving the next step with Casillas’ representatives.