Neymar's father denies Bartomeu rift over lingering Barcelona lawsuit

Neymar Sr insisted there is no bad blood between his son and Bartomeu, Barcelona president, over a lawsuit initiated by the Brazilian against the Spanish club.

Published : Dec 13, 2019 17:30 IST

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu with Neymar.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu with Neymar.
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Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu with Neymar.

Neymar's ongoing legal action against Barcelona has not harmed his relationship with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, according to the player's father. Ex-Barca star Neymar initiated a lawsuit against his former employer soon after joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

The dispute over a €26million unpaid loyalty bonus remains before the courts but, on Thursday, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claimed the 27-year-old had filed a new €3.5m claim. Neymar Sr addressed the matter in a radio interview and said it was "nothing new" as he expressed confidence a settlement would be reached.

"It's a thing from the past, when Neymar left Barcelona," he told COPE. "We always want to reach an agreement, it is better for everyone. Barcelona are not worried about this and neither are we."

The legal friction further complicated Neymar's recent attempt to secure a move back to Camp Nou, which failed to materialise. Lionel Messi admitted some at the club opposed the attacker's return but Neymar Sr insisted there was no bad blood between the Selecao star and Bartomeu, who has since ruled out a January approach.

"We have never had a bad relationship with Bartomeu," Neymar Sr said, before adding: "We don't know anything about the future. Neymar has a contract with the PSG. He is happy."

Neymar is in his third season with Ligue 1 side PSG, having spent four at La Liga champion Barca following his arrival in Spain from Santos.

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