Spanish media reported yesterday that Barcelona’s former player, legend and now manager Xavi Hernandez has said two weeks ago that Gerard Pique – another major club name – has no future at Camp Nou due to his deteriorating physical condition and unprofessional conduct off the field.Quite shocking for the Catalan football community, right? Well, Pique took those alleged words to only power up his intentions to get back to his best form.The Spanish international was told by Xavi that he was no longer part of his plans and that he could leave the Nou Camp this summer despite remaining in contract until 2024.Tue 21:00: (2.09) Costa Rica (2.90) New Zealand (4.70)The 35-year-old Pique, who is reportedly among the highest earners at Barcelona, has disregarded Xavi’s comments and vowed to work harder to prove the Barcelona manager wrong.The centre-back missed the final weeks of the season after the exacerbation of his tendinopathy in the adductor of the left thigh against Mallorca.Pique has also previously hit out against Barca president Joan Laporta for hinting at the arrival of a ‘top-level defender’ by saying they would only be used as a substitute.’I’ll be a starter. If you have the guts, bring the best central defender in the world, who will come as a substitute.’, Pique reportedly said.🚨 Barcelona will have to pay €80M to Gerard Piqué over the next two seasons.(Source: @CatalunyaRadio) pic.twitter.com/Mj2he1SBSg— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 13, 2022 Pique has even been seen back in training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper – Barcelona’s training ground – most days to undergo his rehabilitation.The club have even captured videos of the defender back on the grass running and training in the gym as he works hard to return from injury.The club had hope that Pique would make a dignified exit this summer but it appears he will be looking to stick around for as long as possible.Also, Pique separating from his long-term partner Shakira affected the situation surrounding the Spain national team player, surely.Piqué begins his preseason today. That’s…good timing 😉 pic.twitter.com/1NlrSKlvLS— total Barça (@totalBarca) June 14, 2022 Uruguayan star Ronald Araujo has already been earmarked as the new leader of the club’s defence. Barcelona are poised to sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a free transfer and are interested in Cesar Azpilicueta. SPORT reports that Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, who has been a high-profile target for numerous clubs including Chelsea, is a player who Xavi wants as a potential replacement. Pique has won three Champions Leagues, eight La Ligas, three Club World Cups, seven Copa Del Rey, six Spanish Super Cups and three UEFA Supercups, scoring 53 goals in 602 games. Barcelona’s no.3 returned to the club in 2008 after four years with Manchester United.
