Neymar has responded to the latest Football Leaks revelations concerning the “ethical bonuses” the French champions receive as part of their contracts and blasted the journalists as a “bunch of misinformed idiots.”
Earlier this week, France 2’s “Envoye Special” looked at those bonuses and claimed that one of the terms involved was applauding the supporters after each match.
Reports have surfaced claiming that Neymar earns €375,000 simply by clapping the fans.
“I do not know what is worse …” the Brazil international wrote. “The source or those who respond. A bunch of misinformed idiots.
“I am tired of the ill-intentioned press. Thank you, God, for every litre of patience that you give me.”
PSG and Brazil teammate Thiago Silva, who reportedly earns €33,000 for the same gesture, joined Neymar in ridiculing the claims.
“It is becoming routine,” the captain wrote before adding that the stories are “a shame” and “fake news.”
Right-back Thomas Meunier shed light on the situation on Saturday when replying to a tweet about the ethical bonuses and rejected the idea the bonus is simply for applauding the supporters.
“This amount is known as an ‘ethical bonus’ and includes numerous obligations for the player towards the club and the supporters, as well as the player themselves [professionalism and respect towards others]. It is far from being a bonus for simply applauding the fans,” he wrote.
Speaking at a news conference at Camp des Loges ahead of Sunday’s Ligue 1 trip to struggling Monaco, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel quickly lost his patience with questions about Football Leaks and the ethical bonuses.
“I did not see the report,” the German said. “I hear many things. For me, it is not a topic with either the team or my staff.
“Honestly, I am here to coach and manage the squad and my staff. We have our match against Monaco to prepare for and this has not affected us.”
Tuchel said he pays little attention to social media but knows that his players do, although he insisted that it poses little problem.
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