Neymar has informed Barcelona management and his teammates that he sees his future elsewhere.

Barcelona expects Paris Saint-Germain to pay his £198 million ($262 million) release clause in full. Barcelona remain adamant they are not prepared to negotiate; formally, Neymar remains not for sale.

At board level Barcelona are irritated not only at the outcome but the manner in which it has been brought about.

“Neymar Junior, accompanied by his father and agent, has this morning informed FC Barcelona of his decision to leave the club during a meeting held in the club’s offices,” said Barcelona in the statement. “Given this position, the club referred them to the buyout clause stipulated in his contract, which since 1 July stands at €222 million and must be paid in its entirety.

“In reference to the [player’s camp’s] demand to be paid the renewal bonus [related to last summer’s contract renewal], the club reiterated that the bonus has been deposited with a notary pending the resolution of the case.”