Santos: Afonso not for Sale

After recent news that Santos captain Marcelo Afonso was on the transfer block, manager Sean7 cleared up any rumours by announcing that the midfielder was not for sale.

'Marcelo has a tremendous influence with our club, he's one of the founding pillars of our squad. I couldn't envision seeing him in any other shirt than our own.'

The stinging rumours galvanized the midfielder, as he proved his worth in one of the best performance of his career. During the RMI cup semi-final against Vikings, there were chants from the Santos away crowd, 'Say it ain't so, Afonso!', and cheered everytime he had the ball. However a quick two goals by Vikings had the club down 2-0. The captain stepped up to the challenge, netting 2 goals in the 38th and 66th minute to tie the match. However, an 89th penalty shot by Vikings star Anastasios Tassiopoulos sealed the fate for Santos, as Vikings moved on to the RMI Cup Final.

'Regardless of the veracity of the move, I thought Marcelo played like a true skipper should. He lead the team, battled hard, and pulled us out of the hole with his play. Although we lost the match, I couldn't be prouder.
The media made a big a deal out of these rumours, we didn't transfer list Afonso but Ray Goddard, our defender. Someone in the media needs to get their facts straight.'

Indeed, in a move that came out of nowhere, long serving defender Ray Goddard had agreed to terms with Padston Villa, and a transfer of 1.85 mil was made between the two clubs. In hindsight, it wasn't much of a surprise, as the club was noticeably gaining in age. Three of the starting four were over the age of 30, and although the trio had played a long time together, they also conceded leads in big games.

'I wish all the best to Ray Goddard and the rest of his career, Villa have a battle-tested defender in their hands. He's played all of his matches in the top flight, so he should be very capable in Division 1. We may even see him again next season.'

'Right now, we are still searching for that elusive superstar defender in our squad, to complement our core. Benicio Correa looks like the next player to lead our backline, and it will be necessary to give him a capable partner.'

Before the press conference ended, a cheeky, young reporter had one final question.

'Sean7, isn't it true that you had transfer listed Afonso but later retracted it because you weren't getting enough funds for the player? I've got quotes from several clubs that you engaged them in discussions of a possible move.'

Sheepishly, the manager gave pause for a moment thinking of a response. Finally, he said
'This game is all about mind-games. I didn't want the other managers to actually think they were getting Afonso, just merely wish it. It is nice to have fantasies sometimes. Like your mother, I know she fantasizes about calling me, setting up a getaway to São Paulo, along a sunset beachshore. But we both know that cannot happen.'

'Doesn't mean she didn't try though.'

Four security guards had to restrain the furious reporter, as Sean7 casually walked away.