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FootballGerard Pique: Xavi Hernandez Tells Star Defender He Is No Longer Needed at Barcelona Amid Woes With Shakira
- Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been informed by the club’s head coach and his former teammate Xavi Hernadez that he is surplus to requirements at Camp Nou
- Xavi has a number of issues with Pique, including his off-the-pitch marital controversy with Shakira and his inability to remain fit for long periods of time
- The Catalan boss is said to be eyeing up a move for Jules Kounde to replace Pique at the heart of his defence as he seeks to take the Blaugrana back to competitive levels
Gerard Pique is facing new problems after Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez reportedly told him he is no longer needed at the club. Xavi is said to have told the defender that his unprofessional conduct off the field would be detrimental to the club.
Pique has been involved in a much-publicized break-up with his partner of 12 years, Colombian superstar Shakira. The two have since confirmed they have gone separate ways after Pique was allegedly caught in bed with another woman.
Sport.es now reports that Xavi has also taken issue with Pique’s payment issues with Barcelona. The Catalans owe the former Spanish international close to 40 million euros in deferred payments. The two met two weeks ago where Xavi was categorical about how he wanted the situation to unfold.
The Daily Mail adds that Xavi, who is also a former teammate of Pique, Is worried about Pique’s ability to endure another gruelling season at the top level. He has been hampered by injuries of late and Xavi is ready to bring in a long-term replacement for the veteran.
Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is high on Xavi’s shortlist. Andreas Christensen is also highly likely to join after running down his Chelsea contract. Pique is said to have rejected Xavi’s proposals and has promised to turn a new leaf going forward.
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FootballSports Brief had earlier reported that new details had emerged over the identity of Gerard Pique’s new girlfriend.
The Barcelona star has been involved in a public spar with his partner of over 10 years, popular musician Shakira.
The two have since announced that they have separated. It is alleged that the cause of the separation was Pique’s infidelity after he was allegedly caught in bed with another woman.