Barcelona, Feb 1 (IANS) Barcelona star striker Neymar admitted that he has been affected by the ongoing legal battle surrounding his transfer to Spanish football giants from Brazilian club Santos.
The 23-year-old is due in court on Tuesday to testify in a case brought forward by Brazilian investment company DIS, which claims they suffered financial damage when Barcelona allegedly withheld the true value of the player’s transfer in 2013.
Neymar’s parents are also due to give evidence, along with former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and his successor and current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu. All of them have denied any wrongdoing.
“When this started to affect my family, it affected me a little. It bothers you. But I’m someone God has given the power to be focused on what I like to do, which is to play football. I’m only concentrating on what I have to do,” Neymar was quoted as saying by Brazilian television Globo TV on Monday.
“My father only wants me to commit to playing and to focus on the ball. When you see that someone you love is being attacked, is suffering, when things are said that aren’t true… it hurts you. Before speaking without any knowledge, telling lies, you have to present evidence,” the Brazilian footballer team skipper said.
Neymar’s father has also called for a swift resolution to the matter and admitted they are “tired” of the proceedings.
“We want to find an end to this situation. It’s time to say ‘enough’. If the prosecutor is looking for attention, he’ll get it. We want to bring an end to this issue and that’s what we’ll do,” Neymar’s father said.