17/05/2008 22:34
Snubbed Maniche Slams Scolari
Inter Milan midfielder Maniche has criticized Portugal boss Luiz Felipe
Scolari for keeping him out of Euro 2008...

Maniche's absence from Scolari's plans for Euro 2008 was the big surprise of
the call-up list, as the former Porto player had been Portugal's leading
goal-scorer during the 2004 edition and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The Portuguese player, who is very close to winning Scudetto with Inter Milan
(where he is on loan from Atletico Madrid), confessed to be "sad and
disappointed" with being left out of Big Phil's plans for the summer
tournament.

"My condition is no excuse, since I am feeling really well, I have had no
injuries this year," Maniche told RTP. "I have played about 37 games this
season.

"The coach could be being influenced by people that don't like me. Everyone
can see the facts. If I was not left out because of football matters, then it
must have been because of non-football matters."

Maniche is expected to return to his club, Atletico Madrid, at the end of the
season, although he will reportedly take on a new challenge, his fifth since
leaving Porto in 2005.

Luis Mira
--
FROM 211.99.222.*