Arthur reportedly rebels against Barcelona and refuses to train or play for them

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The player has unilaterally decided to go on an early vacation

Arthur has reportedly informed FC Barcelona that he does not plan on training with or playing for the team anymore. He is said to be in Brazil right now without the club’s permission, in open rebellion against the team he is still under contract with.

The player had already agreed to join Juventus at the end of the season, in an exchange the Catalans made to land Miralem Pjanić. But while the Bosnian celebrated his Serie A title with an assist in Juve’s last game, and seems set to help them in the UEFA Champions League, Arthur has unilaterally decided his time at his current team is up.

Quique Setién has not used Arthur in any match since the player’s deal with Juve was announced. He was last seen in the stands yawning during a match, after which he told the boss he had a foot injury and could not train. He was not in the squad for the final league match, and afterwards, the players were given six days off. The Brazilian left for Ibiza, but then, rather than return to Barcelona, he went to Brazil.

The club is said to be warning Arthur they will punish him severely if he does not abide by his contract. Arthur apparently wants to be relieved of his duties, because he says the coach simply does not count on him. The Brazilian reportedly maintains that he was forced out by the club, and cannot understand why he went from starting the match before his signing by Juve was announced, to never being picked again after.

Source: barcablaugranes.com