Gerard Pique knew Neymar had decided to exit Barcelona long before the Brazilian completed his world record 222 million euro ($261 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain, the Barcelona defender admitted on Saturday.
“There was a group of players that tried to convince him to stay and the day I wrote the tweet ‘he stays’ I knew he was going,” Pique said on the eve of Barca’s Spanish Super Cup first leg clash against arch rivals Real Madrid.
“I knew it was the last shot I had, to use social media and public opinion to try and convince him to stay.”
“It was to try and help this club, to try and retain a player that for me is unique, with unique talent,” added Pique.
“I knew it would be very difficult because it was a decision he had taken a while ago and it wasn’t possible, but at least I tried.”
“He has his reasons, I don’t know if they are economic or to be the best in the world at a different team, but in the end I don’t think we should judge him,” said Pique.
“He has made the decision, it is a brave decision, he was here four years and gave us extraordinary performances.”
“Liverpool and Dortmund are making the most of the situation. They are playing their cards and it is a difficult moment for Barca to be able to sign without doubt,” he added.
Pique also had his say on Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele,
“To replace Neymar who is a unique player with very special talent and a one-on-one ability that no one else has in this sport will be difficult.
“What we have to do is make ourselves stronger and not look for a replacement because there isn’t one on the market.”
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