Gerard Pique: 10 of the best and most controversial quotes

Gerard Pique has been featured in the news constantly this season. The Barcelona defender has been in the spotlight because of his banter with rivals Real Madrid and its players, and most recently when he provoked Espanyol supporters. The Spaniard has never been far away from controversy during his illustrious career with the Catalans so far.Over the years, the central defender has both sparked a row with his nasty comments on rivals and their players as well as won hearts of his teammates and fans with appreciation.We look at such instances when Pique has attracted criticism and love.

#1 Pique\'s friendship with Cesc Fabregas goes a long way

Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique go a long way back to when the two were at the Barcelona youth academy La Masia during their teenage years. But the first time the two met in a game was at Old Trafford in 2008 when Fabregas played for Arsenal and the defender for Manchester United. Before the game Pique called Fabregas “a genius”.

Pique’s following comments about his countryman were much appreciated in the Spanish press at that time.

“We have been very good friends since we were very young so it will be a great feeling to play against him in a match that is like a final for both teams. Cesc has always shown a lot of talent and is a genius with the ball.”