Porto move the goalposts to commemorate victory

ROBBIE KEANE may still be hoping to plot his latest transfer but one big move was instigated from the Republic of Ireland’s home to UEFA Europa League champions Porto yesterday.

It wasn’t one of Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad who has been the subject of the negotiations, however, but the set of goalposts into which the Portuguese side’s striker Falcao headed the winner at the Aviva Stadium three months ago.

Not content with keeping the match ball to commemorate the historic occasion — they beat Portuguese rivals Braga in the May 18 decider — the Futebol Clube do Porto management were in touch last month to arrange the deal for the goals.

Ahead of last night’s friendly fixture between the Republic of Ireland and Croatia, the busy grounds staff at the Aviva Stadium were called on to help dismantle the goals and make them ready for shipping.

The goalposts are being moved lock, stock and barrel (or maybe that should be upright, crossbars and netting) and are expected to go on display in a museum being developed by the club.

The transfer fee? Undisclosed. But we understand it is not enough to result in any more cuts to the Football Association of Ireland’s match ticket prices.