Pedro Pablo Pichardo’s father, Jorge Pichardo, commented this Monday on the rift between his son and Nelson Évora that flared up after the Barcelona-based athlete claimed the European triple jump champion had been bought by Portugal to have “short term” results.
In an interview with News, the coach left guarantees in case of new attacks. “You will not have problems with Pedro, you will have problems with me,” he assured.
Jorge Pichardo also remembered his arrival in the country and the relationship he had with Nelson Evora. “When we arrived in Portugal, he spoke to us. He trained… they gave Pedro his citizenship, he talked to us, he got along with us. Pedro is his nationality… at least me and my son, as if I didn’t know him.”
Jorge Pichardo downplays Nelson Évora’s statements as “annoyance and clowning”. “They say that Nelson attacks, intimidates … They don’t know what intimidation is. And we don’t understand it. What are they doing here, talking and criticizing… is this a mockery?… don’t disturb us,” he said.
“But it looks like when he did it the first time he didn’t get a response, it looks like he thinks he can keep doing it. It’s time for Pedro to respond so they know that Pedro is good both on and off the track. Do you understand? To avoid mistakes. This is the only thing we have. And that’s why I’m saying all this,” he said.