Pique: Cesc was a pioneer

Gerard Pique has paid tribute to fellow Spain international and former Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas as the midfielder approaches his 100th cap.

If Fabregas plays against both Luxembourg and Ukraine he will reach three figures in the latter fixture and Pique spoke to Radio Marca to discuss his friend, who left the Barca youth set-up for Arsenal when still a teenager.

“Cesc was a pioneer, to go London at 16. Then others went and he was an example. He was an example to me,” the defender recalled.

“We spoke when I was [at Manchester United]. When Arsenal and United played he’d call I

Pique and Cesc were reunited at Barca and it was Pique who pushed the board to get the midfielder to Camp Nou and, he admits, he was disappointed when he left for Chelsea.

“I insisted to the club and the Barca board that Cesc should return to Barca. In the end we succeeded,” Pique continued.

“He had questions because he was No 1 at Arsenal. We got him here and we had three wonderful years with Cesc.

“It was very tough when he went because he was one of our best players. I understood his position but it was a hard blow. He’s too much of a winner.

“I’ve known him since we were very small and when he doesn’t win he won’t talk to you for a day or he won’t answer the phone.”

Pique was also asked about the whistles from the crowd that marked his last home appearance for Spain and took a philosophical stance.

“Time puts everything in its place. In the end it will be sorted out. I’m clear on that,” he said.

Tags Arsenal Cesc Fabregas Chelsea Gerard Pique Spain
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