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Neymar Responds To Nike Allegations Over Their Split

Neymar Responds To Nike Allegations Over Their Split

Nike have claimed they've split ties with the world's most expensive ever footballer due to allegations over sexual assault.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Neymar has responded to allegations from Nike about the end of their relationship, claiming the American company 'distorted' the truth about their relationship.

On Thursday, Nike claimed that they ended their contract with Neymar because the footballer "refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation" into a sexual assault allegation.

The incident, towards a Nike employee, is meant to have taken place in 2016, with the company being told about it two years later. Nike then ended their time with the Brazilian last August.

The Americans' statement this week said, "Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to co-operate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee," but he has denied that was the case.

The PSG forward took to Instagram with a long statement.

"Facts can be distorted because people see them from different angles. We cannot deny that life is like this.That´s life!

"I can even understand when someone criticizes my conduct, the way I play and live my life.

"We are different!

"I really don't understand how a serious company can distort a business relationship that is supported by documents. Written words cannot be modified. They are very clear.

"They leave no doubt

"Ever since I was 13 years old, when I signed my first contract, I was always warned: don't talk about your Agrements. Agreements are confidential!

"Contradict this rule and state that my contract was terminated because I did not contribute in good faith to an investigation, is an absurd lie.Once again I am warned that I cannot comment this or anything regarding to the agreement in public.

"Against my own will, I shall obey!

"But the WSL story is very clear. In 2016 it seems that they already knew about this event. I didn´t!

"In 2017 I traveled again to the USA for another advertising campaign, with the same people, and nothing was told to me, nothing changed!

Neymar still wears Nike for PSG. Image: PA Images
Neymar still wears Nike for PSG. Image: PA Images

"In 2017, 2018, 2019 we made trips, advertising campaigns, countless shooting sections. And they told me nothing.

"Such a serious matter and they did nothing. Who is truly responsible?

"I was not given the opportunity to defend myself. I was not given the opportunity to know who this person was that was allegedly offended. I don't even know her. I've never had any kind of relationship or approach with this person. I didn't even have a chance to talk to her, to know the real reasons for her pain. That person, an employee, was not protected. I, a sponsored athlete, was not protected. Until when will this happen?

"Irony of fate I will continue to stamp a brand on my chest that betrayed me. That´s life for you!

"I remain firm and strong, believing that time, always this cruel time, will bring the true answers. Faith in God!"

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Ligue 1, PSG, Neymar, Nike