Jardel did not participate in the Porto legends’ 1-0 victory over the Real Madrid legends, in a festive game played at the Santiago Bernabéu, this Saturday. The former striker revealed that he was waiting for an invitation and did not understand the reason for his absence.
“I wasn’t invited and I don’t know why. I was very sad, because I’m the only player in Porto’s history with two Golden Boots. I’m important in the club’s history and they left me aside. That’s not how you should treat idols “, said the Brazilian in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca.
O golo de Marek Čech ⚽️💙#FCPortoVintage pic.twitter.com/Gj76q3bTA1
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) March 23, 2024
Jardel also said that he even sent messages to his former teammate and now vice-president of the club Vítor Baía. “I called Vítor Baía several times, but he didn’t care. I have a good relationship with the club and it was a match I would have liked to have played, because I play a lot of solidarity games like that.”
The former Grêmio said he did not believe that his drug problems were the reason for his absence.
“I don’t think that’s why. Porto is a club that respects history, its history. Coming from where I come from, I would have helped a lot at the Bernabéu. If they really wanted to help me, that wouldn’t be done. My history with Porto goes beyond the drugs and the indiscipline that I had in my past life outside of football. Nobody is perfect in this life.”
Jardel arrived at Porto in 1996. In 175 games for the Portuguese club, he scored 168 goals. He was three-time Portuguese champion, two-time Portuguese Cup champion and four-time Portuguese Super Cup champion.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
