Marouane Fellaini is Seeking £2m in Damages as His Feud With New Balance Continues
Marouane Fellaini dispute with New Balance continues to rumble on as he is now seeking £2m in damages after he claims the company produced ‘defective quality boots’, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
An investment company has said the boots had an impact on the way that Fellaini played and caused him to have some loss of enjoyment and some inconvenience.
The Belgian international has stated that the boots needed to be ‘steamed and stretched’ just for him to be able to wear them come match time. However, New Balance has produced a countersuit claiming that they provided Fellaini with more than adequate replacements after he first complained of some discomfort.
Paperwork apparently shows discussions between the two parties resolving the issue and coming to an amicable solution.
Barrister Ruth den Besten, who represents Fellaini, outlined the player's claims with a few statements. She said, “The football boots supplied by New Balance were of poor quality and caused considerable damage to Mr Fellaini's feet. In order that the boots fit Mr Fellaini, they were required to be steamed and stretched by the Manchester United FC's assistant kit man. Mr Fellaini repeatedly communicated his frustration with the poor quality of the boots.”
However, Ian Mill, who represents New Balance has made counterclaims, “The player orally informed Mr Simon Crawford of New Balance that he was experiencing discomfort when wearing certain boots. New Balance, therefore, arranged for the player to be provided with bespoke replacement boots."
Throughout the conversation on Whatsapp, it is said that the two parties came to an agreement where replacement boots would be sent to Fellaini so that he could feel some comfort.
However, Fellaini said that his boots still weren’t comfortable and after playing games he couldn’t walk. Fellaini has had his share of critics this season and hasn’t been involved in the first team for a number of weeks due to form and injury.