Alvaro Pereira – “I Will Continue In The Colours Of Porto”

Porto’s Alvaro Pereira was expected to join Chelsea on Wednesday, but the transfer failed to materialise after the clubs could not agree on a fee.

Pereira worked with Andre Villas-Boas at Porto last season and it is believed that Chelsea had bids of £16.5million and £20million turned down. There were also reports in the press suggesting Porto wanted at least £26million, but as we now know Pereira has remained in Portugal.

In a interview yesterday Pereira said, “The club could not agree and I will continue in the colours of Porto. They said they did not want to sell me and weaken the team, and as a player I have to respect that decision.”

Pereira also said, “Chelsea grew weary and withdrew their offer. My agent told me the two clubs just could not reach an agreement. I just have to focus on Porto and try and produce a performance, it will not be easy but that is my challenge.”

The January transfer window is just four months away now and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea make a fresh move for Pereira when it opens.