Footwear maker New Balance has released a statement in response to the report in The Sun that Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini is suing them. Fellaini is asking for £2.1 million in damages, as his lawyers claim that the New Balance boots he wore as part of his endorsement deal caused him “loss of enjoyment, inconvenience and impact on performance.” He also claims that he frequently communicated his frustrations with the boots.
However, New Balance claim in court documents that the Belgian once described the same boots as “perfect” and even asked the athletic shoemaker for 12 more pairs.
New Balance provided a statement on the suit to ESPN FC, which read:
“Although we cannot comment on pending litigation, New Balance can confirm that the company plans to vigorously defend itself and its longstanding record of manufacturing excellence and surpassing the needs of athletes around the world.”
“New Balance is confident that it has acted appropriately and is grateful for the services historically provided by Mr. Fellaini.”
The Fellaini litigation, filed in the London High Court, goes on to describes the boots as being “poor quality,” and that they needed to be “steamed and stretched” by United’s kit man. Fellaini, then with Everton, signed a four year deal with New Balance in 2012.
However, the Boston, Massachusetts based corporation turned down a £600,000 a year extension.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune corporation blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.