Villas-Boas honours Pinto da Costa, Marques calls him “hypocrite” | OneFootball

Francisco J. Marques took to social media this Sunday to once again criticize André Villas-Boas, this time for the act of placing a wreath in the center of the Estádio do Dragão's pitch in tribute to his predecessor Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, on the day FC Porto completed 132 years.

"Last year, he was alive, he was the honorary president and he was not invited to the symbolic Flag Raising, while they tried to tarnish as much as possible the great presidency of Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, but this year, after his death, they pay tribute. This only has one name, hypocrisy," wrote the former director of communication of the blue and white emblem.

The post sparked numerous reactions. Some followers asked if Pinto da Costa had indeed been invited to the event, to which Marques responded categorically: "He was not, you can't rewrite history by repeating a lie many times. I confirmed with him himself."

"In fact, the board, when confronted with this, tried to get away with it, saying that he had been invited and then that he was invited by default. Moreover, in line with the various things where what the board says does not correspond to the truth. Others, that it should say, it keeps quiet," he added.

Response to the "bootlickers"

Accused of only criticizing, Marques defended himself by saying that he shared "factual and undeniable" versions of what happened and expressed surprise at some reactions: "It seems like a script, but I'm going to pretend it's just a coincidence."

"I praised the signings. And just as I criticized, last season, AVB for the terrible sporting decisions, this year, I praised, because, as the person in charge, he deserves to be praised for the reinforcements he brought to the squad. And that's how it should be, when he does well, praise him, when he does wrong, criticize him. Of course, then, there are the bootlickers who always manage to praise, when he does well and when he does wrong," he shot back.

"The Eternal President who made FC Porto a global power"

The confrontation comes after André Villas-Boas remembered, on the eve, Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa during the 132nd anniversary ceremonies of the club and the Diamond Rosettes delivery in the VIP Tribune of the Alvalade Stadium.

"FC Porto is a living affirmation of identity, will and belonging. We are Porto anywhere in the world. Today, we remember with longing and gratitude figures who marked the path of our club. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the Eternal President who made FC Porto a global power. Jorge Costa, a symbol of grit and will that personifies the essence of being a Dragon," he stated.

"Joining them are names like José Maria Pedroto, Artur Jorge, Fernando Gomes, Lima Pereira, Rui Filipe, Pavão, Alfredo Quintana, Cesário Bonito and, of course, our founders Monteiro da Costa, Nicolau de Almeida and so many other presidents, directors and athletes, many of them here present, who by example and by giving back to this club are references of Portismo. Their memory lives in our deeds and achievements and motivates our path towards a future of glory," he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.