Joan Laporta admits that Gerard Pique is ‘suffering’ amid speculation about his future at Barcelona

President of FC Barcelona Joan Laporta revealed that under-fire center-back Gerard Pique is “suffering” following a media frenzy in recent weeks.

Pique’s personal life has been the subject of countless allegations since he split from his long-time lover Shakira, while reports in the football world claimed he is no longer wanted at Camp Nou.

Pique was recently linked with a move away from Barcelona due to his expensive salary and off-field troubles, but it is being speculated that there is an apparent spat between him and manager Xavi over the latter’s wish to let him go, with Pique saying, according to Sport, “I’ll be a starter. Bring the best central defender in the world as a substitute if you have the courage.”

During Thursday’s general assembly, Joan Laporta was asked about Pique’s future; in his reaction, he urged supporters and the media to give the defender a break.

“Pique is in pain,” he explained. “As much as we fantasize about athletes having fame, fortune, and whatever they desire, they are individuals, and Pique is a wonderful guy.

“He is one of the captains. He has given a lot and he has to continue giving a lot. He has chosen to continue being a professional footballer. He had the option of being a businessman or a footballer and he chose footballer.

“He has gone through a circumstance which is not pleasant at all, with children at a very young age. Pique deserves the esteem and affection of the fans.

“Do not pay attention to the stories that try to paint him as a frivolous man, without feelings and who is losing everything. I am lucky to know him and to have dealt with him as a person. He is an extraordinary person who is suffering, and we have to help him. I will be the first to give him the love he deserves.”

The 35-year-old contract at Camp Nou, where he is one of the best earners, has two years left on it, and some insiders are concerned that he no longer deserves his costly earnings.

When Pique was out due to injury last season, Ronald Araujo took over as the team’s defensive commander, and Andreas Christensen has agreed to join this summer to battle for minutes with Eric Garcia.