Gerard Pique has hit out at rumours of Neymar moving away from Barcelona, with the Spanish centre-back stating with absolute certainty that the Brazilian striker will not seek a move away from Barcelona. In a similar vein, Pique also termed the idea of any Barcelona player wanting to leave ludicrous, observing that Ter Stegen woud stay at the Catalan club.
Pique was addressing journalists ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid, and was emphatic in his assertion that Neymar would stay, saying “Neymar will not move from Barcelona, I am convinced. I know him and I know he is not going to leave. Period.”
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Pique’s comments came in response to a question from a journalist asking about fresh rumours about Neymar being tempted by a move to Paris St-Germain. The Ligue 1 champions are likely to be without strikers as both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani look set to leave the club after this season, which has left PSG willing to activate a staggering €193 million release clause in Neymar’s contract.
Pique also addresed reports that Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will leave, after the goalkeeper complained about a lack of playing time, saying “Ter Stegen won’t go, either. No-one wants to leave Barça. We are Barça and to be in this club is the most happiness a player can have.”
“This club, this city, these fans, everything that we have… What more can we want? I am convinced that everyone will stay.”
Pique reflects on El Calsico
Gerard Pique also took the time to address Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in El Clasico. The Spanish centre-back seems to have put the loss behind him, as he remained confident about Barcelona’s La Liga chances, saying “I am still convinced Barcelona will win La Liga. We have a great team. There will not be a team out there that is higher on confidence than us.”
Noting that Barcelona dominated the game, Pique continued, saying “We were in control until the 1-1 [in the Clasico]. We were not sure whether to go for it from there on. Madrid played to their strengths. But we dominated for the opening 65 minutes or so.”
“There is always a tendency to be negative, but we would all be happy to play Madrid again if we got the chance. We beat Madrid earlier this season and were in control of the season.”
