Defender Gerard Pique has been told by Barcelona boss Xavi that he is not part of the Spanish manager’s plans at the club.
It has been revealed that the Spanish international is unwanted at the club due to unprofessional conduct off the field and his deteriorating physical condition, days before his high-profile split with partner Shakira.
Spanish media outlet Sport also claims that Xavi’s primary issue with the player is his numerous business interests off the field, and it is believed that Pique is owed approximately £34.3million (€40million) by Barca.
Although reports suggest that the player is still ‘99% likely to remain at the club’, Director of Football Mateu Alemany will surely attempt to convince him to settle for less than the £34.3m he is owed.
Xavi, who played 312 games with Pique, wants to build his team around a defence that he can put his full faith in, and according to the Barca legend, that is something Pique cannot bring him.
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Sport’s reports also suggest 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.
Despite Xavi’s comments, though, Pique is not thought to be willing to leave the club, and he is still contracted until 2024.
The former Barcelona and Spain captain spoke to his former team-mate directly, and made it clear that Pique is not going to be included in the manager’s plans for the future.
Xavi has also gone so far as to suggest that the best thing for his World Cup and European Championship winning team-mate is to leave in a similar way to former Spain and Barcelona captain Carles Puyol.
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Puyol left the Catalan giants in 2014 after 15 seasons with the first-team with two years still on his contract, like his former defensive partner, as a result of his body being unable to handle the demands of professional football.
But Pique, who has the fifth highest appearances for Barca with 602, is adamant that he can continue to play a part for Xavi, and has vowed to train even harder and even sacrifice some of his off-field interests.
However, it has been made clear that the issue is not with the player’s technical ability, which is still undeniably high.