Porto admits possible sale of Maicon

Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has revealed that Brazilian defender Maicon Roque, who is on loan to Sao Paulo due to a controversial incident, is likely to be sold when his loan expires next June.

Pinto da Costa told the press on Wednesday that the Brazilian defender may not return to the Portuguese club, explaining that Maicon has a two-year contract with Porto, but the player may leave if there is an offer, reports Efe.

The club's president pointed out that several clubs are interested in signing the Brazilian player, indicating that it is certain that Maicon will have to return to Porto after his loan ends at Sao Paulo on June 30.

Officials from Sao Paulo confirmed that the defender will return to the Portuguese club on June 30, as the Dragons request 15 million euros ($16.4 million) for a final transfer.

Maicon's departure caused controversy in Portugal, since he turned from an undisputed starter and team leader into an undesired player due to his mistake that led to his side's 1-2 defeat against Arouca on Feb. 7.

The Brazilian defender left the field due to his injury, which was later confirmed, but his naive mistake angered Porto's board members, the club's fans and some of his teammates.

Moreover, Maicon Roque's wife defended her husband and blamed Porto's medical staff for his injury.