Ganso denies agent claims

Ganso has revealed that he has received ‘many offers’ from interested parties, but insisted that he has no intention of leaving Santos.

The Brazil international has been heavily-linked with a move to Europe and the playmaker’s agent claimed in May that his client was keen on joining Porto.

However, Ganso has now contradicted his representative by stating that he would like to remain at the Vila Belmiro.

“It is my desire to stay in Santos,” the 22-year-old attacking midfielder told Folha de Sao Paulo.

“I have received many offers. But I think they are less appealing than the option of staying here.”

Ganso is currently out of action after undergoing a minor knee procedure last month, meaning he has been forced to watch on helplessly as Oscar has made a compelling case to be installed as Brazil’s creator-in-chief at this year’s Olympic Games in London with a couple of fine friendly displays against Denmark and the United States.

He freely admits that he has been impressed by the Internacional starlet’s performances for the Selecao, but he does not believe that the pair are essentially competing for the same position.

“Oscar played a hell of a game (against USA),” Ganso said.

“He has done well in the past two games. Brazil have a strong Olympic squad and still more people will be in contention for the 2014 World Cup.

“Oscar is taking his chance well. And when I get my chance, I’ll try to take it too. And maybe we can combine our qualities (for the Selecao).”

The fact that Ganso has been forced to have an operation on his right knee, so soon after damaging ligaments in his left, has raised fears about his long-term future in the game. But he insists that there is nothing to worry about.

“The injuries would hamper the career of any player,” he admitted.

“And it is hard not having a sequence of games, having to stop all the time.

“Returning is always difficult, but this time I’m calm because it was a very simple thing, so I will not have a problem.”

Ganso, who has been capped eight times by his country, is expected to return to action in time for his club’s Copa Libertadores semi-final showdown with Corinthians.