Santos president says Ganso must accept fans' boos

Santos president Luis Álvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro has hit back at Ganso by saying that the midfielder must accept the boos he received following his São Paulo comments.

The 22-year-old was quoted recently saying that ''it would be a pleasure to wear the shirt" of cross-city rivals São Paulo, which provoked a nasty reaction from the Santos fans.

Ganso was accordingly booed throughout his side's 2-1 win over Palmeiras on Saturday evening and the club president has now said that the Brazilian international must accept them.

Ribeiro told Lancenet: "Fans must be respected. When a theatre actor goes onstage, he or she can receive applause or boos. In football too, this is natural.

"[The fans] came to me and they were very upset with the player's statement."

Ganso himself has reacted to the outspoken president, insisting that Ribeiro should not have made the statement, whilst also reiterating that he will remain at the club.

"It was something that the president should not have done," the young midfielder was quoted as saying by ESPN Brasil.

"Santos decide what they want and I have to obey. I have a contract with Santos, now let's see if I finish the season or not. I am fine in my head and I want to see the Peixe winning."

Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues was last month quoted as saying that Ganso did not want to play for the Brazilian outfit anymore.

Ganso has been linked with Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United during this summer transfer window.

Rodrigues had also stated that Santos would not block a potential move should clubs firm up their interest before the window closes.