For such a small man, Joao Plata makes a lot a waves.
Today, he's quoted on the Spanish version of MLSSoccer.com about his move back to Ecuador. Plata said that Toronto knew about the move and that Paul Mariner's comments about him being badly advised were offside.
In fact, he told the site that he had very little dealings with Mariner and that he tried to demonstrate “respect” in all dealings with the club.
It's interesting to see Plata's comments stacked up against Mariner's, especially when you realize that Plata was an Aron Winter guy - even if he wasn't full aware of the agreed fee and conditions when he selected him in the draft. It begs the question of whether Plata was ever in Mariner's plans and, if not, it explains the somewhat indifferent reaction to him bolting.
It also brings up bad memories on the Dwayne de Rosario situation with Celtic in December 2010. That was another he said, he said situation and there is little purpose in revisiting its details. It is troubling that once again the club is involved in a situation where a player is working under a different impression than the club claims is true.
Smoke, fire and all that.
Plata is scheduled to return to Toronto in January. Apparently all parties agree with that. Whether he comes north again seems about a 50/50 proposition.