The fallout between Neymar and Barcelona has continued, with the soccer club now suing its former superstar. The labor lawsuit was submitted eight days after the forward moved to PSG for a reported world-record fee.
Image: picture-alliancedpa/AP/K. Zihnioglu
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Barcelona is suing Neymar for 8.5 million euros ($10 million) in damages for failing to honor his contract, the club said in a statement released Tuesday.
They are also demanding a return of a loyalty bonus given to Neymar when he signed a contract extension last October "as he has not completed his contract." The club also wants an additional 10 percent due to the delay of their demands being met after presenting the lawsuit to the Labor Tribunal in Barcelona on August 11.
Neymar was critical of his former club after PSG beat Toulouse on SundayImage: picture-alliance/dpa/AP/K. Zihnioglu
"Barcelona have taken these actions in defense of their interests after Neymar's contract was rescinded just a few months after he signed on until 2021," the club's statement said.
Barcelona have sent the labor lawsuit to the Spanish Football Federation so they can "pass it on to the French Football Federation and FIFA for legal purposes."
They have also urged Paris Saint Germain (PSG), the club to which Neymar moved in August for a 222 million euro ($261 million) fee, meet the payment request should Neymar "not take responsibility." PSG responded in their own statement saying they have "always respected all applicable laws and rulings in its dealings and, once again, regrets the attitude of FC Barcelona."
Neymar, who played a part in four of PSG's six goals in a 6-2 win over Toulouse over the weekend, made fierce criticisms of his former employers after the game.
"I am upset with the Barcelona board," he told reporters. "They are people that should not be at the club. Barcelona deserves more and everyone knows it."
Neymar: the world's most expensive footballer
With each passing summer, the record for transfer fees are be broken in football, but Neymar's move to Paris is the most astounding move of them all. The Brazilian has now left Barcelona to join PSG for a staggering fee.
Image: Reuters
A star is born
Neymar makes his mark in Brazil, joining Santos in 2009 and as the club celebrates 100 years, he meets Pele. Early comparisons are tempting, but there is a growing hope that Brazil has found a new superstar. Neymar's skills and impressive numbers (136 goals in a total of 225 appearances) at Santos quickly draw attention and he soon leaves for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
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Barcelona and the big time
Neymar arrives at Barcelona in 2013 for a transfer fee around 80-million-euros ($95 million at current rate). His five-year deal is a sign of intent from the Catalan club and he joins Lionel Messi to form a devastatingly skillful duo in attack. He continues a fine tradition of great Brazilian players joining Barcelona and settles in to a new style of play at one of the best clubs in the world.
Image: Reuters
The strongest trio
A year later, Neymar has Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to partner him in an attacking trio that looks the most frightening in Europe. Barcelona win the treble in 2014-15 as Neymar proves Barcelona isn't a stage too big for him. The following year he wins the league again and starts to show he's capable in his own right.
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Team Neymar
Everything points towards the forward leading his country to a home win in the 2014 World Cup but a serious vertebrae injury rules him out of the semifinal against Germany. Brazil enter the game motivated to play for their star, but are left embarrassed by the German team. Neymar is emotional at missing his chance, but it won't be his last...
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Brazilian redemption
Neymar doesn't instantly get the chance to win the World Cup again (perhaps in Russia next year), but he does guide Brazil to Olympic gold in 2016. It's an emotional moment for Neymar, as not only does he score the winning penalty against Germany but it's also a tournament in Brazil and the win goes some way to healing the wounds inflicted back in 2014.
Image: Reuters/M. Sezer
Moving on
Fast forward to 2017. As transfer fees get crazier than ever in the summer transfer window, rumors emerge about Neymar moving on from Barcelona. The rumors quickly turn to speculation - and on August 3, Paris Saint-Germain confirm that Neymar's 222-million-euro ($263 million) release clause has been paid. The Brazil star signs a five-year contract to ply his trade in the French capital.
