5 facts about Gerard Pique you didn't know

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The man with a mouth

There is somewhat of a fixation in the minds of fans about knowing the lesser-known things about their favourite player. Heck, the player doesn’t even have to be a favourite to be the subject of a fan’s curiosity.

After all, what does a player—a normal human being like you and me—do in his free time? How was his childhood? What are the happenings of his personal life? These are some of the burning questions in most fans’ gut and we are going to be the ones to satiate your hunger.

For this piece, Gerard Pique will be the one under the microscope. The Catalan defender is among the most well-known names in the football fraternity for his respectable football skills and outspoken nature.

And here are three facts on Gerard Pique that you almost certainly didn’t know…


#5 Coma in childhood

The signs of a great footballer can be seen from a very early age and it was no different with Gerard Pique either. The moment he could walk properly, he was already kicking the football. Such was his love for the game that it almost cost him his dear life.

As a 17-month-old, the Barcelona defender was playing on the terrace of his grandparents’ home. You may have already guessed what happened next. While playing, the ball went over the terrace and the chasing Gerard Pique also fell with it.

The former Manchester United defender had to be hospitalised immediately where he was in a coma. Thankfully, the Barcelona number 3 woke up from his elongated somnolence after 2 days, much to the joy of his relatives.

Also Read: Footballers and their adorable childhood pictures – Part 1

#4 Bernabeu in his surname

The name comes from his mother’s side, who is the daughter of former Barcelona president, Amador Bernabeu

The Bernabeu is a name synonymous to Real Madrid, thanks to their legendary president, Santiago Bernabeu. Such was the influence of Bernabeu in the Blancos’ history that their home stadium is named after him.

And it is only fair: after all, he was responsible for the rise of the Whites. However, when you see the very name being one of Gerard Pique’s last names, it is sure to surprise you because the man is basically a Madrid-hating Catalan.

The name comes from his mother’s side, who is the daughter of former Barcelona president, Amador Bernabeu. So now we know: the Bernabeus have ruled the big two of Spain.

#3 Considered Fernando Hierro his idol

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Barcelona’s Hierro?

Being a centre-back, this might not sound as the most astonishing fact about the Catalan defender. However, considering the fact that he has grown up despising the Galacticos, it makes it a tad bit surprising to find the name of Real Madrid legend in his icons’ list.

But think about it, it makes sense. Hierro was a world class centre-half in his day, a point of reference for any aspiring defender. He was also a classy gentleman that was respected by even rival fans, which is perhaps why Pique idolised him.

Finally, it also seems like Pique channelled his goal-scoring instincts by dissecting the former Real Madrid captain, who, till this day, remains the club’s best ever goal-scoring defender with 127 goals in 14 years.

#2 Piquenbauer

Piquenbauer!

After his arrival to Barcelona, Gerard Pique’s rise under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola was lauded by many fans and pundits alike. Such was his development that the media started likening him to the legendary Franz Beckenbauer.

The comparisons led to fans giving the Catalan a new nickname: Piquenbauer. When asked about the parallels drawn to him, the legendary German said that he was “honoured” that the Spaniard was linked to him.

He then went on to sing laurels about the former Manchester United defender, claiming that he is more than just a defender. He also said that the club of his life, Bayern Munich, would benefit a lot from his services.

#1 He loves Lady Gaga and U2

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Pique and his musician partner

Well, obviously, almost everyone in this world listens to music of some sort. It is also a well-accepted consensus that everybody has their own musical preferences. And Gerard Pique—another human being like us—has his own, too.

Given that Shakira is his other half, one would expect him to be a fan of his beloved, which he definitely is. However, he also has other music choices; some of which include Lady Gaga, U2 and Rihanna. His playlist is filled with their songs and he uses them as a way of relaxation before and after games.

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Edited by Staff Editor