Pique: No problem with Ramos

Gerard Pique insists he and Sergio Ramos have never had an issue despite fierce battles for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The pair are Spain’s first-choice centre-backs but take part in feisty Clasico fixtures, Pique telling an appearance on Onda Cero’s Al Primer Toque that their club allegiances have never caused an issue internationally.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Sergio. Obviously, when it’s a club matter he defends his interests, Real Madrid, and I defend mine, but on the pitch we won the European Championships together, conceding one goal,” Pique argued, AS reports.

“I think we’ve always been good in the national team. When you get here you forget about the ups and downs. You’re defending and fighting for the same thing. We try to help each other because ultimately, we want to win games.

“People are always looking for what sells, which is the problem, the discussion not being on good terms. Sergio and I have never had a problem. At club level there was a time when relations weren’t the best, the whole world knows that, and we talk about that, but on a personal level there’s never been problems.”

Pique was also asked about his relationship with former Spain and Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa, and he did admit some ill-feeling between the parties.

“I don’t have a problem with him. I wish him well but it is true we have had our friction. In the end, we defend our interests and Alvaro and I have the relationship we have,” he explained.

“I’m sure if sat down for dinner there would be no problem and it’d end well. If we played for Eibar or Alaves none of this would have happened, but as one of us is Barca and the other Madrid it became like weapons of the Gods.

“I don’t have any enemies in football. I believe I have many friends, acquaintances, and people who indifferent and who I don’t know. I come here to Madrid and people say ‘this guy can’t leave…’ That is, everyone’s taking pictures. I’m treated well here.

“Obviously I wanted Atletico Madrid to win the Champions League, but it hurt Atletico more than it hurt me, Madrid winning. I’m Barca, so obviously I don’t like Madrid to win. I feel sorry for the fans, how they lost [this year and in 2014].

“I watched the final with Iker Casillas and it was fun because he is very bad luck. He says one thing and a minute later the opposite happens. In the first half he said ‘Pepe is doing very well’ and in the first minute of the second half he gave away a penalty.

“The final was very good. There was a lot of intensity, a lot of intensity to the play and I congratulate Madrid for winning the trophy.”

Tags Euro 2016 Gerard Pique Sergio Ramos Spain
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