Gerard Pique's Immediate Reaction To Barcelona Telling Him He's No Longer Needed Is Telling

Gerard Pique reportedly told Barcelona he's good enough to 'bench' any defender they sign to replace him.

The 35-year-old is said to have spoken with manager Xavi on Monday and was told he's no longer required at the club.

Pique has been a mainstay in the Barcelona defence since 2008 and didn't take the news well, according to SPORT.

When president Joan Laporta told Pique the Blaugrana would be looking at a new centre back, he replied: "I'll be a starter. If you have the guts, bring the best central defender in the world, who will come as a substitute."

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Pique's alleged conduct off the pitch has had an influence of Barcelona's decision, with some calling it 'unprofessional' in recent weeks.

His business interests are the main concern and he's the founder of a number of start-ups.

The former Spain international has a contract until 2024 however and still sees himself as an important part of Barcelona's future.

It's believed the Catalan giants owe Pique an astonishing £34.3 million in wages too, something director of football Mateu Alemany will be looking to settle.

Barcelona are set to sign Andreas Christensen as a free agent in the coming weeks and are interested in Sevilla star Jules Kounde.

Pique isn't the only defender Xavi is trying to move on, with Clement Lenglet's future also up in the air.

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Despite the desperation to part ways with Pique, there's no denying he played an important role this campaign.

He featured 39 times in all competitions and regularly partnered Ronald Araujo at the back.

Barcelona turned their season around and managed to finish second, although it was still 13 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.

They're working on a deal to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and could make a move for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

Any potential move for Silva will likely hinge on Frenkie de Jong, who is top of Manchester United's wishlist.