WATCH: Barcelona sue PSG striker Neymar for at least €8.5 million for 'breach of contract'

PSG striker recently criticised his former bosses, saying Barca fans 'deserve better'

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar gestures  during the French L1 football match Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs Toulouse FC (TFC) at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on August 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Thomas SAMSON
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Barcelona are seeking at least €8.5 million (Dh37m) from Neymar for breach of contract, the club said on Tuesday following his world record €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain.

"In this lawsuit, the club demands the amount already paid as a bonus for the renewal of his contract for breach of contract, €8.5 million in damages, and an additional 10 per cent in interests," Barcelona said in a statement.

Neymar signed a new five-year deal with Barca in 2016, but the Catalans were powerless to stop his move to PSG just a year later as the French side met the buyout clause in his contract.

Barca added the demand was lodged against Neymar on August 11 with Barcelona's employment court, eight days after his stunning move to Ligue 1.

"Barcelona have taken these actions in defence of their interests, after Neymar's contract was rescinded just a few months after he signed on until 2021," the statement added.

The Catalan giants have also passed the claim onto Fifa and the French Football Federation via the Spanish Football Federation to take what they see as "the appropriate legal effects".

Moreover, Barca urged PSG to pay the amount they are seeking if Neymar, who is reported to earn €30m after tax for the next five years in Paris - is not able to meet their demands.

The club's latest move comes two days after Neymar fiercely criticised Barcelona's under-fire board after scoring twice in a stunning home debut as PSG beat Toulouse 6-2 on Sunday.

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"There are people in charge that shouldn't be there," Neymar told reporters.

"Barca deserve much more and everyone knows that."

Barcelona have also withheld a €26m bonus due to Neymar for signing the renewal to his contract last year.

"The player hasn't fulfilled his contract with the club ... given that breach the club will not pay this renewal bonus," Barcelona spokesman Josep Vives said on August 4.