Donato di Campli, the agent of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, has confirmed that the Italy international is pursuing his legal options against L’Équipe.
The French newspaper published claims that the 24-year-old, as well as teammate Blaise Matuidi, had been out clubbing with Rihanna just 48 hours before PSG were victims of a stunning Barcelona comeback in the Champions League.
PSG had already hit out at the claims, as well as a separate claim in L’Équipe that the club had made preparations for a Champions League trophy ceremony while the tournament was still at its last-16 stage.
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) March 10, 2017
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) March 10, 2017
And now Di Campli, who also represents a number of other players across the Italian league pyramid, says a lawyer has been engaged in relation to possible action the paper.
He names the lawyer Carlo Alberto Brusa, who has represented French international Franck Ribéry in the past.
Abbiamo conferito incarico all'Avv. Carlo Alberto Brusa per tutelare l'immagine di Marco Verratti nei confronti dell'Equipe e del sig. Riolo
— Donato Di Campli (@donatodicampli) March 11, 2017
PSG lost the second leg 6-1 to go out 6-5 on aggregate, conceding three goals in the last few minutes of the game.
And, while the newspaper claims are being contested, Verratti was spotted talking to teammates about the potential outcome of the game in a video that will make unpleasant viewing for fans of the French champions.