Milan opens up his heart

Last updated : 03 January 2002 By
Straight after the boxing day defeat, Milan Mandaric gave Pompey fans a present they didn't want to receive - the news that he was considering his position at the club after a shocking run of form that has left Pompey stranded in mid-table.

However he has today moved to quell fears by issuing a statement on the official site where he talks of his dissapointment because he has become a "Pompey fan hook, line and sinker." he goes on to say that he has "virtually deserted my other business interests. "

Mandaric states how he was caught off guard by the phone call from 'The News' where he stated that he was 'running out of oxygen' he says how he was "thoroughly miserable, under the weather and feeling very sorry."

He then goes to on hit back at some critics who have used his recent comments as a catalyst to criticise Mandaric. He calls the criticisms about investment and the appointment of Kawaguchi "uninformed, completely unhelpful and completely unfair"

However Mandaric is ready to 'pick himself up' and start again - on the back of a very 'frank' but positive meeting with Redknapp and Rix - in which the chairman sanctioned a move for a striker in the near future.

It is the Milan of the people that he leaves us with: "I have drunk with you in the pubs. I have met you across the country. And I have sat with you in the Fratton End. I do not desert friends in time of need. And as the famous song from that phenomenal end goes “ I'm Pompey till I die.”

What more can you say?