Costel is too big for bed

Posted Saturday, May 11, 2013 by thesun.co.uk

WIGAN face a MASSIVE problem today — how to beat Manchester City’s reserve keeper Costel Pantilimon.

The Romanian ace stands at 6ft 8in tall so has been given the nickname ‘Massive’ by his rival and friend Joe Hart.

Pantilimon, 26, is so big that City had to arrange for a special bed to be brought in for him during their pre-season training camp in Austria.

The former Timisoara stopper believes his huge frame can be an advantage in his job — but can also make life difficult in general.

He said: “Joe started calling me ‘Massive’ — I can understand why.

“When you are my size, you can’t take a Mini or anything like that.

“You must drive a jeep or something big. It has it’s advantages and disadvantages. And, yes, I do need a king-sized bed.

“As a keeper, you can’t be the best in all things. For me, I have a disadvantage with low balls — I have to stay low every time.”

Boss Roberto Mancini has played Pants in all the domestic cup matches so far this season — and plans to continue that today.

The City boss admitted recently Hart was keen to start the FA Cup final — but Pantilimon insists the England No 1 has been fully behind him throughout.

He said: “I always say we have three keepers and we’re like a family.”

“We are together every time, we work together and we respect each other. It’s important to have respect and to be helpful with everyone.”

“When I don’t play I have to do it. I know that Joe had the same situation as me when Shay Given was here.”

“I know that Joe is the No 1 choice and that’s normal.”

“It was hard for him to be here with Shay. I understand this also.”

“I was No 1 in my country. It’s difficult. I came here because in my opinion it was a good chance for me to play at the top level.”

“Now we’ll see what happens after the season finishes.”

“But I am going to play in a Cup final now and I am happy I came here.”

Pantilimon had an usual upbringing in Romania as both his parents are deaf — and they will not be at Wembley today as they are both working in a factory back home.

He said: “They’ll watch it on TV. I was speaking with my father this week and he said it was better for him to stay home because he’s nervous.”