INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay insist they are just fine after a week filled with complaints and comments suggesting a rift had developed following one of the most miserable seasons in team history.

“We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us,” the two said yesterday in a statement issued by the team. “Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we’ve faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends.

“We had a long talk today, and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring.”

That would be welcome news to Colts fans, who first watched Manning publicly complain about the down-in-the-mouth atmosphere at team headquarters and two days later heard Irsay call out his franchise quarterback at a news conference intended to focus on the new head coach.

On Tuesday, Manning told The Indianapolis Star his only real conversation so far with the new general manager Ryan Grigson had come in passing and the flurry of firings had those around the team complex walking on “eggshells.”

Irsay didn’t like that Manning went public with his frustrations and he said so Thursday, calling the quarterback a “politician.”

The Colts’ poor season gave them the No. 1 overall pick, which Irsay has said they will use for their quarterback of the future, presumably Stanford’s Andrew Luck. If so, Irsay must decide if he wants to pay a first-round quarterback and Manning, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract in July and will be 36 in late March.

Irsay has said his choice will come down to Manning’s health, not money.