Edinson Cavani ‘rejects £880k PSG bonus’ to pass on penalty duties to Neymar after Lyon row


EDINSON CAVANI has snubbed an £880,000 bonus to allow Neymar to take Paris Saint-Germain penalties, according to reports.

The pair embarrassingly fell out during this month’s 2-0 win against Lyon when arguing over who should take a spot-kick.

Edinson Cavani has reportedly rejected an £880,000 bonus to give up penalty duties
Edinson Cavani has reportedly rejected an £880,000 bonus to give up penalty duties
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Neymar fumed when Edinson Cavani would not allow him to take a penalty against Lyon
Neymar fumed when Edinson Cavani would not allow him to take a penalty against Lyon
AFP

And according to Spanish publication El Pais, they are no closer to making amends after Cavani rebuffed a 1million Euros (£880,000) cash incentive to give up penalty duties.

The figure equates to what the striker, 30, would earn for finishing as Ligue 1’s top scorer.

But the Uruguayan reportedly claimed money is not the issue, and wants to remain as spot-kick taker on principle.

Reportedly, Cavani is proud to be third club captain and believes he has earned the right to keep his position.

And his strong stance is said only to have annoyed Neymar, with the ex-Barcelona star reacting badly after PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, boss Unai Emery, and captains Thiago Silva and Thiago Motta broke the news to him.

Following this, Neymar was pulled out of Saturday’s Montpellier clash and it is the first time the French giants have dropped points this season after being held 0-0.

Neymar Jr and Edinson Cavani argue over who will take PSG's penalty against Lyon
Edinson Cavani was unable to inspire PSG to victory against Montpellier
Edinson Cavani was unable to inspire PSG to victory against Montpellier
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Edinson Cavani and Neymar had reportedly made up in PSG training
Edinson Cavani and Neymar had reportedly made up in PSG training
Rex Features
Edinson Cavani reportedly is not motivated by cash when it comes to the penalty row with Neymar
Edinson Cavani reportedly is not motivated by cash when it comes to the penalty row with Neymar
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Neymar, 25, is said to have apologised to his strike partner and other team-mates for the humiliating penalty row.

Reports had suggested the £198million Brazilian wanted Cavani SOLD after their argument and his team-mate's subsequent penalty miss.

Neymar at London Fashion Week following Edinson Cavani penalty row
Neymar at London Fashion Week following Edinson Cavani penalty row
Getty - Contributor
Neymar and F1 star Lewis Hamilton at London Fashion Week
Neymar and F1 star Lewis Hamilton at London Fashion Week
Rex Features

Neymar later unfollowed the former Napoli ace on Instagram – only fanning the flames of the tempestuous relationship.

But L’Equipe report that the ex-Barcelona star issued a grovelling apology to his team-mates in training last week, with countryman and captain Thiago Silva acting as translator.

PSG boss Unai Emery stuck by Cavani, who was signed from Napoli for £55m in July 2013.

PSG boss Unai Emery has given Edinson Cavani his backing over Neymar
PSG boss Unai Emery has given Edinson Cavani his backing over Neymar
EPA

He said: "The first person in charge of taking penalties is Cavani, and Neymar is the second one.”

The Spaniard added: "I have told them to sort it out between themselves.

"I think that they are capable of doing that and that they will both be our kickers. If they cannot reach an agreement, I will decide for them.

"I do not want this to become a problem for us."

Edinson Cavani has a penalty appeal rejected in Ligue 1 fixture against Montpellier

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