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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed Gerard Pique is 'suffering' after recent developments in his personal life.
Reports emerged earlier this month which claimed Barcelona were hoping Pique retired in 2023 to avoid paying his massive wages.
The former Spain international recently confirmed his separation from popstar Shakira after 11 years together as well.
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It's been a miserable few weeks for Pique and Laporta discussed the issues in a recent address, publicly backing the player.
Per Marca, he declared: "Pique is suffering. As much as we imagine, we have in our imagination players with fame, money and everything we like, but they are people and Pique is a great person.
"He is one of the captains, he is lucky, and we He has given a lot and he has to give us a lot. He has chosen to continue being a professional footballer.
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"He had the duality of being a businessman or a footballer and he has chosen a footballer.
"And he has gone through a circumstance that is not pleasant at all, with children at a very young age and Pique deserves the esteem and affection of the cules, do not pay attention to the news that tries to leave him as a frivolous man, without feelings and that everything slips away from him."
The 35-year-old played 39 times for Barcelona last season to help them to a second place finish in La Liga.
He regularly partnered Ronald Araujo at the back and offered leadership in a young team.
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Laporta continued: "I am lucky to know him and to have treated him as a person. It is a extraordinary person who is suffering. And we have to help him. I will be the first to give him the love he deserves."
Barcelona are set to sign Andreas Christensen on a free transfer to add more depth in defence.
Christensen decided to leave Chelsea upon the expiry of his contract and is hoping move to the Camp Nou is announced 'soon'.
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As well as Christensen, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is set to swap Italy for Spain.
Barcelona are continuing to work on a move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski too.
Lewandowski publicly declared his career with the Bundesliga giants to be 'over' in a recent press conference.
Topics: Barcelona, Gerard Pique, La Liga
Daniel Marland