Pedro Mendes rules out Guimaraes return

High transfer fee makes return to hometown club unfeasible

Although happy with the remarkable achievement of his hometown club, Guimaraes, in reaching the Champions League qualification round, Pedro Mendes clarified that he will not be returning to his former team.

The Portuguese midfielder played some of the best football in his career at the northern club, earning him a move to FC Porto, where he won a Champions League medal under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, before leaving for the Premiership.

Mendes has been in England for four seasons, but has seen little action this year for Portsmouth, prompting speculation that another move could be on the cards for the midfielder.

“It’s impossible to return (to Guimaraes) at this moment. I’m not saying I wouldn’t like to, the problem is the sums that would be involved in my transfer.

“Despite conquering third place in the league, Manuel Cajuda himself has warned that the first reinforcement the club needs is common sense, and he’s absolutely right.”

The straight-talking Mendes explained that things would be much easier if he did not have two years left on his current contract. “If I was a free agent it would be a question of sitting down and talking, but as it is the transfer fee would involve very high numbers.

“I’m friends with the president Emilio Macedo and we have never even mentioned this possibility. I would like to play for Guimaraes again, but I can’t simply say goodbye to everyone and walk out the door.”


Related: Pedro Mendes PortuGOAL profile
Related: Guimaraes clinch Champions League football in style