Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has opined that Argentina captain, Lionel Messi will one day leave the Catalans and it will be very hard to digest that fact. In an extensive and in-depth interview with TV3, the Blaugrana defender also spoke about how he wooed Shakira and how his former team-mate Patrice Evra became the subject of a vicious prank back in Manchester United.
In another segment, he spoke about the impact of the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, and how his departure would be equivalent to the death of a father.
"He has been completely unique… the day he leaves will be like the day your father dies, and that will be hard," he told TV3.
"We talk about Leo now, but one day he won't be here and we will be naked, but we will have to start again to keep being competitive."
Gerard Pique also stated that another player like Lionel Messi won’t be born again, just like how it is almost impossible for La Masia (Barca’s youth academy) to produce another generation of world class players.
"There won't be more Messis and we don't expect there to be more, as there won't be another generation in La Masia like the one with Xavi, Busi, Puyol, Iniesta and me.
"Let's hope there can be, but I don't think it will happen again."
The World Cup winning defender has been surrounded with controversies of late, announcing his retirement from the Spanish national team after the 2018 World Cup in Russia due to the extreme criticism and loathing he has had to face at the hands of some Spain fans.
The fact that he is one of the vehement supporters of Catalonian independence doesn’t bode well with many Spain fans, making him the target of all their hatred.
However, the former Barcelona youth player isn’t one to shy away and lock his opinions to himself. He has always been outspoken, someone who often gets into trouble for speaking his mind, and there’s perhaps nothing that will change that.
Barcelona have suffered two defeats this season, the last one against Celta Vigo was when Lionel Messi wasn’t playing. It speaks volumes about how true Gerard Pique’s words are. Indeed, the Argentina national team have won only one game out of the seven matches that they have played without La Pulga.
Losing a father would definitely hurt more, but Barcelona fans would almost be as hurt when Lionel Messi goes away.
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