Joan Laporta admits Gerard Pique is ‘suffering’ amid Barcelona exit talk

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confessed that under-fire centre-back Gerard Pique is ‘struggling’ after being the topic of a media frenzy in current weeks.

Allegations surrounding Pique’s private life have been outstanding after he separated from long-time companion Shakira, whereas within the soccer world, quite a few stories have recommended that he’s now not needed at Camp Nou.

Barcelona had been lately tipped to part ways with Pique due to his excessive wage and off-field controversies, earlier than stories emerged of an obvious bust-up with supervisor Xavi over the boss’ need to let him go, with Sport quoting Pique as responding: “I will be a starter. When you have the center, deliver the perfect central defender on the earth, who will come instead.”

Laporta was requested about Pique’s future throughout Thursday’s common meeting, throughout which he urged followers and the media to present the defender a break.

“Pique is struggling,” he stated. “As a lot as we think about gamers having fame, cash and every part you can need, they’re individuals and Pique is a superb individual.

“He is among the captains. He has given loads and he has to proceed giving loads. He has chosen to proceed being an expert footballer. He had the choice of being a businessman or a footballer and he selected footballer.

“He has gone via a circumstance which isn’t nice in any respect, with kids at a really younger age. Pique deserves the esteem and affection of the followers.

“Don’t take note of the tales that attempt to paint him as a frivolous man, with out emotions and who’s shedding every part. I’m fortunate to know him and to have handled him as an individual. He’s a unprecedented one that is struggling, and now we have to assist him. I would be the first to present him the love he deserves.”

The 35-year-old has two years remaining on his contract at Camp Nou, the place he’s among the many highest earners, and a few contained in the membership are stated to have grown involved that he now not justifies his profitable wages.

Ronald Araujo emerged because the crew’s defensive chief final season when Pique was absent with health points, whereas Andreas Christensen has agreed to affix this summer time to compete for minutes with Eric Garcia as nicely.

This text was initially printed on 90min as Joan Laporta admits Gerard Pique is ‘suffering’ amid Barcelona exit talk.

Supply: www.90min.com