Gerard Pique believes Barcelona’s success over the past 10 years has brought an end to their inferiority complex against Real Madrid.
It was put to Pique in a radio interview that Barca are still suffering from so-called Madriditis, but the centre-back dismissed the question.
“Madriditis? That was fixed in the last decade,” he said.
“Madrid have been a very successful club that has won many titles and nine European Cups. That gives them the best team of the last 100 years.
“But in the last 10 to 15 years we are there and are winning many titles in the present.
“We must remember the past though. It’s a rivalry that will last forever.
“A team is better if the other is better.”
Pique was also asked his thoughts about the red card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo against Athletic Bilbao.
“What was shown on television, it’s doubtful it was a red card,” he replied.
“I know Cristiano. He put his hand in there but there wasn’t much to it. It’s not an assault.
“The Madrid draw was good for us, so they didn’t overtake us and because they’re a direct rival in the League.”
Pique was also asked about his row with Alvaro Arbeloa over Twitter in September and played down the spat as good-natured and between friends.
“The Madrid-Barcelona rivalry will always exist and I can get involved sometimes.
“When I see something like what happened against Elche I have to react, and the other party is hot too.
“But it is normal, heated but we can take a joke, then work together in the same shirt for the national team.”
