After his side’s 1-0 victory versus Paços de Ferreira, Sporting CP coach Jorge Jesus moved to contradict reports suggesting João Mário had been removed from the matchday squad due to his imminent move to Inter:
“João Mário is a Sporting player, this is not in question, it had nothing to do with Inter. He suffered a blow in training. I did not call him up to the squad in order to avoid worsening the situation. He could have played but it would have been risky. I was afraid that it could do more harm. If nothing changes, he will he will play as normal next Sunday versus FC Porto in O Clássico.”
Source: FcInter1908
