Piqué defends Xavi

Xavi claimed last week that Fabregas had told him he has been “suffering” because of his desire to rejoin the Barcelona FC.

Barcelona and the players have always spoken with great respect,” Pique was quoted as saying.

“Any player suffers when there is so much talk about his future due to the uncertainty of not knowing where he will be playing. Saying that is not a lack of respect to anybody.”

“I know how the situation is, but I think we must leave Cesc in peace and let things run their course. The summer is very long, there has been a lot of talk and it doesn’t help at all,” he added.