Neymar responds to legal woes in Instagram post

BARCELONA forward Neymar has used an Instagram post to apparently address the latest attempt by Spain's public prosecutor to seek a jail term in relation to his controversial transfer from Santos.

On Wednesday, Judge Jose Perals requested a two-year sentence and a €10million fine for Neymar and his father, along with the same fine and a one-year prison term for his mother, on the grounds of alleged corruption in the Brazil captain's 2013 move from his homeland to LaLiga.

The case stems from a complaint by investment group DIS, which owned 40 per cent of Neymar's economic rights and claims it received less money than it was entitled to following the transfer.

READ: Spain prosecutors call for two-year jail for Neymar

Neymar played in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Celtic later on Wednesday, where a Lionel Messi brace secured top spot in Champions League Group C with a game to spare.

The 24-year-old has now posted on Instagram, making repeated reference to his religious faith that he believes will help to pull him through his present troubles.

"I always knew that raising your name would cause controversy, discord, envy, evil eye and all bad things," Neymar said. "For you, Lord, are the God who enlightens me and leads me on your way.

"And we know that all fights are against hell's principalities and powers, but together, as a family, we will win. We know that more will come, but we are ready… we have Jesus!"

On Thursday, the NN Consultoria company owned by Neymar's father insisted the latest reports over a case reopened in September were not new developments and reiterated Neymar's innocence.

A statement read: "The parties have not been notified of the opening of the indictment of the Public Ministry or of the period in which the defence may be filed. We remain calm because all contracts were signed with respect to legal, ethical and moral procedures and with the knowledge of Santos … and Barcelona."

Former Barca president Sandro Rosell, meanwhile, faces a two-year term and a €10m fine if found guilty of corruption, as well as a three-year sentence for alleged fraud. Current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu has been exonerated of any wrongdoing by the prosecutor.

Barcelona could be handed a €1.44m fine for corruption and an additional €7m penalty for fraud, while Santos may also be hit by the latter punishment.