OFFICIAL: Barcelona confirm Neymar departure

Barcelona have made an official announcement informing of Neymar's decision to leave the Catalan club.

'The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the Club in a meeting held at the Club’s offices', the statement read.

The club have referred to the winger's £196 million release clause, which will have to be paid in its entirety if Neymar is to join PSG.

'Faced with this position, the Club has informed them they refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of 1 July totals 222 million euros which will have to be deposited in its entirety'.

'Furthermore, in reply to the claim for the contract extension bonus, the Club has once again made it clear that the amount remains deposited with a notary until the case is resolved', the club said, referring to Neymar's 26 million euro renewal bonus.

'The player remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions'.

FC Barcelona communiqué on Neymar https://t.co/3gUqCGv5P8

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) 2 August 2017