Neymar tells FC Barcelona he is leaving team
Brazilian soccer star Neymar, accompanied by his father and agent, informed FC Barcelona on Wednesday morning that he would be leaving, the club announced in a statement.
Neymar had been targeted by Paris Saint-Germain, which now must pay his $26 million-plus buyout clause in full.
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had given Neymar permission not to train to “sort out his future.”
With Neymar leaving before the end of his contract, the club suggested in the team statement it would only have to pay a percentage of the contract extension bonus.
ESPN reported in July that Neymar had already agreed to terms on a contract with PSG, and French media outlet L’Equipe reported Tuesday that a team physical for Neymar was imminent at PSG.
PHOTOS: 2017 summer transfers