Barcelona star Neymar has defended himself against criticism of ongoing tax evasion cases brought against him and his father, claiming he's "not a criminal."
The Brazil No. 10 made a much-scrutinised move from Santos to Barcelona in the summer of 2013 for a supposed fee of €57 million. However a closer look into the deal suggested the fee was closer to €100m, with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirming the cost of the "operation" being more than that amount last week.
Since the move, Neymar, his father, Neymar Sr., and Barcelona have been the subject of lawsuits surrounding the transfer, with Barca recently agreeing to pay €5.5m to settle a case in Spanish court. However the Barca No. 11 has insisted he's done nothing illegal.
"I have not done anything wrong. I'm not a criminal," Neymar said to Isto E on Monday.
"Unfortunately, some people are always trying to create controversy. I do not know whether they do not have the right information or if they have bad intentions. But it doesn't matter.
"The truth is that I'm sure everything will be resolved soon. These matters do not disturb me.
"My father deals with everything outside of the pitch and I have complete confidence in him. I am lucky to have my father looking after those things, working at my side, so I can focus on playing football."
Neymar signed a long-rumoured contract extension with Barcelona last week, which will keep him at the club until 2021.