Gerard Pique reveals he welcomes the feisty rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid as ‘part of the show’ and admits he ‘likes to stir it up.’
The Barca defender was speaking to GQ and discussed the Clasico, with the season’s second edition to come on April 2.
“I don’t think I’m more authentic than others. I’m clear in my way of behaving,” he said, AS reports, having been accused of stoking the antagonism between the sides.
“I like that rivalry and I think it’s part of the show. It’s the fun part. The rivalry between Barca and Madrid is what has always made us be among the biggest teams.
“So I like to stir up the rivalry from time to time. It’s not provocation for provocation’s sake.”
Pique’s commitment to the national team in light of his pro-Catalan sympathies has also been questioned, but he spoke warmly of get-togethers with his Spain teammates and what he has achieved with La Roja.
“It’s a family. They are teammates with whom I’ve shared a lot of years in the locker room,” he noted.
“I’m talking about sharing losses, wins, questions, problems, joys, injuries and hopes.
“I also speak of physios, doctors, coaches, staff members…playing with the national team has given me a lot.
“We have had many good experiences so many memories that I’ll keep turning up for the team until I drop physically or mentally.”
