Alongside the clip Messi wrote: “It was an
enormous pleasure to have shared all these
years with you friend Neymar I wish you
luck in this new stage of your life. See you
tomorrow.”
Responding to the message, Neymar wrote:
“Thank you brother … I’ll miss you mate!”
Barcelona announced on social media that
boss Ernesto Valverde had allowed the
Brazilian to miss training on Wednesday,
suggesting he is all but set to leave.
Neymar was photographed driving to the
club’s training ground moments before
Barcelona’s official Twitter account posted:
“Neymar is not training with the permission
of the coach.”
The club later confirmed the player had
informed them of his intentions to leave,
adding that he would not be training with
them for the foreseeable future.
Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly
linked with a move for the 25-year-old
throughout this transfer window.
They are seemingly prepared to pay his
£199million release clause, despite some
resistance from La Liga chiefs.
The deal would eclipse the £89million
Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba,
making Neymar the most expensive player
in football history.
Barcelona released a statement earlier today
revealing the player and his father had
handed in a transfer request.
The statement read: “The player Neymar Jr,
accompanied by his father and agent, has
informed FC Barcelona this morning of his
decision to leave the club in a meeting held
at the club’s offices.
“Faced with this position, the club has
informed them they refer to the buy-out
clause of his existing contract which as of 1
July totals €222million which will have to be
deposited in its entirety.
“Furthermore, in reply to the claim for the
contract extension bonus, the club has once
again made it clear that the amount remains
deposited with a notary until the case is
resolved.
“The player remains under contract at FC
Barcelona but with temporary permission to
not take part in training sessions.”
