Gerard Pique’s blast back at Barcelona is revealed, as he vows to stop ‘off-the-field issues’

Gerard Pique has pledged to put his private life aside to focus ‘exclusively’ on football after Xavi said he would be a surplus at Barcelona next season.

The Spain international was told two weeks ago that he has no future at the club due to his unprofessional behavior off the pitch and his deteriorating physical condition.

However, Pique has hit back at Barcelona chairman Joan Laporta for suggesting the club should bring in a top-tier defender – claiming he would be Xavi’s first choice, despite the manager’s comments.

Gerard Pique has promised to put his private life aside to focus exclusively on football next season

Xavi and Joan Laporta have suggested he will be surplus to requirements next season

Xavi told Pique – who is said to be one of the highest earners at Barcelona – that he was no longer part of his plans and that he could leave the Nou Camp this summer.

Xavi’s main issues with the player have to do with his business interests off the field and his ability to cope with the hectic schedule of modern football.

However, Pique ignored Xavi’s comments and vowed to work harder to prove the Barcelona manager wrong. Sport†

The 35-year-old has also lashed out at Laporta for hinting at the arrival of a ‘top defender’ by saying they would only be used as substitutes.

He reportedly said, “I’ll be a starter. If you have the guts, bring the best central defender in the world, who comes as a substitute.’

Xavi’s main issues with the player have to do with his business interests off the field

The manager has also shared his concerns about Pique’s ability to handle the hectic schedule of modern football

The club hoped Pique would make a dignified exit this summer, but it looks like he wants to stay as long as possible.

The experienced centre-back is only too happy to show that even at the age of 35 he is still the best option for Xavi next season.

As a result, he went to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper – Barcelona’s training ground – every morning at 9am to rehabilitate.

He is reportedly working hard to recover from the groin injury that sidelined him last season.

Jules Kounde has been touted as Barcelona’s primary defensive target for the summer season

However, the French defender was injured in the 1-0 defeat against Croatia and will have to undergo surgery because of a ‘long-term condition’.

He also wants to recover his fitness to be able to compete with any incoming defenders.

As it stands, Jules Koude has been touted as Barcelona’s primary defensive target for the summer term.

The Frenchman is regarded as one of the most sought-after young players in Europe this summer, with several European giants said to be chasing the player.

However, he only lasted 45 minutes in France’s 1-0 defeat to Croatia in their Nations League game earlier this month before being injured.

Kounde was replaced by Benjamin Pavard, and Deschamps revealed afterwards that the 23-year-old will need surgery to fix a long-standing ‘problem’.

Therefore, Barcelona may be forced to look at alternative options for the 2022-2023 season.

Pique attended the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper – Barcelona’s training ground – at 9am every morning to recover from the groin problem he sustained last season

Pique (left) is also making changes in his personal life after his high-profile split from Colombian singer Shakira (right) came to light

Pique is also making changes in his personal life. He will step into the background when it comes to the companies he is involved with.

He will also distance himself from social media as he wants to focus exclusively on football ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign.

This comes shortly after Pique’s high-profile split from Colombian singer Shakira came to light.

More to follow…