Barcelona midfielder Gerard Pique has declined praise for agreeing to a substantial pay cut for the rest of his teammates, who he stressed have agreed to do the same.
Ronald Koeman’s side finally confirmed the registrations of Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and young Rey Manaj on Saturday, acknowledging that they could only do so because of Pique’s willingness to accept a huge pay cut.
Depay could only play because of Pique’s pay cut / Alex Caparros / Getty Images
It is a generosity that has seen Pique lavishly praised, while at the same time causing criticism from other veterans such as Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets for their perceived refusal to do the same – accusations Pique emphasized were unfounded.
“At the moment I was the first to lower my salary so that the registrations could be made, but I have discussed it with the other captains and we have all reached an agreement with the club, we all go together,” said Pique (via Mundo Deportivo).
“Before the start of La Liga, it was necessary to make an official for registration, but that’s everyone’s thing, everyone wanted to contribute and help the club.”
After Pique’s clarification, Alba took to the press to confirm his stance and blow up those who accused him of prioritizing himself over the club.
“My love for Barça has always been total, I have been here my whole life, ten years in the team and eight in the academy,” he emphasized. “I can speak for myself and for the president. We are all going in the same direction. As Pique said, the predisposition has always been the same. Now it is our turn and there should be no doubt about us.
Alba was impressed by the rumors / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
“What hurts me is that lies are told, I think I have shown how I feel about Barça, the club has given me a lot and we have to be grateful. What hurts me are the lies.
“I will give everything, as I have always done on the pitch, things can get better or worse, but no one can doubt the commitment. My disposition has always been to help the club, just like the rest of the captains.”
