A High Court judge might have to consider a series of WhatsApp messages if asked to decide on a row on Marouane Fellaini's boots.
The Manchester United midfielder says the sportswear giant New Balance has provided "defective quality" boots that had to be "stretched and stretched" by a Manchester man before he could wear them.
An investment firm that represents him has sued New Balance and is claiming about $ 2 million in damages.
Rosalina Investments claims that the "defective boots" had an "impact" on Fellaini's 30-year performance, causing "loss of enjoyment" and "inconvenience".
But the New Balance bosses dispute the claims and say they provided "made-to-measure" replacements after Fellaini said he was "discomforting" by wearing some boots.
The details of the claims and counterclaims emerged in the documents filed by the lawyers at the London High Court.
The paperwork shows that evidence is contained in WhatsApp messages sent between Fellaini staff and New Balance.
Barrister Ruth den Besten, who represents Rosalina Investments, has outlined Fellaini’s complaints.
“The football boots supplied by New Balance were of poor quality and caused considerable damage to Mr Fellaini’s feet,” she said.
“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.”
She added: “Mr Fellaini repeatedly communicated his frustration with the poor quality of the boots.”
But Ian Mill QC, who represents New Balance, said the sportswear firm had solved the problem.
“The player orally informed Mr Simon Crawford of New Balance that he was experiencing discomfort when wearing certain boots,” said Mr Mill.
“New Balance therefore arranged for the player to be provided with bespoke replacement boots.”
‘A big problem’
Papers include a series of WhatsApp messages containing Fellaini’s complaints and replies from New Balance staff.
Lawyers for Rosalina said in August 2016 Fellaini had asked for boots which were wider and longer.
A month later he had sent a message saying: “a big problem no comfy at all.”
At 2.10am on September 30 2016 he had written: “Hello my friend. I had a game tonight I played 90 min and after the game I can’t walk my friend… my toe one more than other but both boss I can’t sleep… I have so much pain.”
Later that morning he had added: “I have to see the pedicure this morning.”
In November 2016 he said he had received “new ones” but they were “still the same. I have to stretch them”.
Lawyers for Rosalina said in September a member of New Balance staff had replied: “We can fix it my friend… we have the big dogs working on this.”
The staff member had added: “Ouch… we are copying the nike boot for you… Your new ones arrive very soon, they will be like nike.”
Mr Mill said in December 2016 Mr Robson had asked if new boots were “a good fit for you better than previous?” Fellaini had responded: “Yeah”.
He said in January Mr Robson had asked: “Is the fit feel of the boots good?” Fellaini had replied: “Perfect for the boots.”
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Barrister Ruth den Besten, who represents Rosalina Investments, has outlined Fellaini’s complaints.
“The football boots supplied by New Balance were of poor quality and caused considerable damage to Mr Fellaini’s feet,” she said.
“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.”
She added: “Mr Fellaini repeatedly communicated his frustration with the poor quality of the boots.”
But Ian Mill QC, who represents New Balance, said the sportswear firm had solved the problem.
“The player orally informed Mr Simon Crawford of New Balance that he was experiencing discomfort when wearing certain boots,” said Mr Mill.
“New Balance therefore arranged for the player to be provided with bespoke replacement boots.”
‘A big problem’
Papers include a series of WhatsApp messages containing Fellaini’s complaints and replies from New Balance staff.
Lawyers for Rosalina said in August 2016 Fellaini had asked for boots which were wider and longer.
A month later he had sent a message saying: “a big problem no comfy at all.”
At 2.10am on September 30 2016 he had written: “Hello my friend. I had a game tonight I played 90 min and after the game I can’t walk my friend… my toe one more than other but both boss I can’t sleep… I have so much pain.”
Later that morning he had added: “I have to see the pedicure this morning.”
In November 2016 he said he had received “new ones” but they were “still the same. I have to stretch them”.
Lawyers for Rosalina said in September a member of New Balance staff had replied: “We can fix it my friend… we have the big dogs working on this.”
The staff member had added: “Ouch… we are copying the nike boot for you… Your new ones arrive very soon, they will be like nike.”
Mr Mill said in December 2016 Mr Robson had asked if new boots were “a good fit for you better than previous?” Fellaini had responded: “Yeah”.
He said in January Mr Robson had asked: “Is the fit feel of the boots good?” Fellaini had replied: “Perfect for the boots.”
#Africa ... spill TEA.... Easy on Shade #jaiyeorie
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