(Football news) La Masia academy graduate Gerard Pique is a Barcelona man inside and out. Having played 567 games across 21 years, winning eight league titles and cups as well as four European Cups, he’s the foundation of all that’s right with the Blaugrana. The club that he holds so dear has never been in a bigger crisis than it is today, with over 1 billion euros of debt and the departure of their talisman Lionel Messi, the situation looks bleak for the Catalan giants.
In moments of disarray, you look towards your leaders to set an example and find a way out. That is precisely what Gerard Pique has done. His headed goal in Barcelona’s opening match of the new season was his 50th overall, more than any defender except for his coach Ronald Koeman. If his contribution on the pitch was impactful, his attitude off the pitch is inspiring. Just the day before the season officially began, Barcelona announced that they were able to register the signings of Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay “thanks to an agreement with Gerard Piqué whereby the Barça second captain’s salary has been substantially reduced”.
The fans were present at the Camp Nou after 526 days away from the stadium. Banners were hung blaming Joan Laporta for Lionel Messi’s departure and the 20,834 fans that braved their way to one of Europe’s best stadiums were wiping their tears away as they look towards a future that will not feature perhaps the greatest Barcelona player that has ever lived. However, Gerard Pique in many ways embodies the same spirit as Lionel Messi. Granted, they don’t play the same position or there might be a talent disparity, but as a Catalan, a youth academy product and the current vice-captain who has grown up with Messi for 20 years, he will undoubtedly be more aware than the rest about what his beloved club has just lost and do everything in his capacity to make amends.
The Barcelona fans love Gerard Pique, chanting his name in the third minute of each half because they know that he understands the club better than most. Pique has expressed his desire to become Barcelona president one day, and if truth is to be told he will probably do better than the current leadership at the helm.
Also read: Why F.C Barcelona’s problems lie deeper than Lionel Messi’s departure
