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      Pep Guardiola reveals he has no interest in returning to Barcelona despite presidential candidate Victor Font hint

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      PEP GUARDIOLA insists he has no interest in a return to boyhood club Barcelona.
      Presidential candidate Victor Font has said he will try to lure the Manchester City boss back to the Nou Camp if he is elected.

      Pep Guardiola would not return to Barcelona even if presidential candidate Victor Font was voted inCredit: Instagram @victor_font

      Guardiola was in charge during a glittering era for the Catalan giants from 2008 to 2012 and also starred for them as a player.
      Font revealed he wants to return Barca to the glory days and said: “Most of the best professionals who know about this style are also fans and love the club, like Guardiola, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol.
      “They are all legends that love Barcelona but do not work for Barca today – we need to bring them back to ensure we will have a very competitive project.”
      But the City boss has always said he will not go back there – and dropped the biggest hint yet he wants to extend his stay at the Etihad.

      He said: “I’m incredibly happy here, delighted to be here. And hopefully I can do a good job here this season to stay longer.”
      Despite fans’ fears of him walking away from the Etihad, Guardiola has previously suggested extending his contract – which expires in June – will depend on whether the players are still playing for him.
      Yet with the hectic schedule they have at the moment, Pep says he is not having to do much in the way of motivation.
      He said: “With this amount of games if the manager has to motivate players it’s over, it comes from inside to play good, help the team, to be decisive in every games – it comes from inside themselves.

      The Spaniard has enjoyed plenty of success at the Etihad and hinted he may extend his deal beyond the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Playing every three days, I cannot give a speech every day. Love of playing football and being part of the Premier League is the most important thing.”
      Guardiola will see how Gabriel Jesus and Nathan Ake respond in training before deciding whether to take them with him to South Yorkshire to face Sheffield United on Saturday.
      Sergio Aguero and Benjamin Mendy are definitely out.

      Dietmar Hamann fears Pep Guardiola has peaked at Manchester City and can’t see them winning the Prem More

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      Real Madrid ‘considering transfer swap with Isco and Vinicius Jr in exchange for Juventus star Paulo Dybala’

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      REAL MADRID are considering allowing stars Isco and Vinicius Jr to leave the club in an exchange deal for Juventus ace Paulo Dybala, reports say.
      The Argentine ace has long been linked with the LaLiga champions and Zinedine Zidane is believed to be keen on bringing him in.

      Zidane has long been an admirer of Dybala, who can play as a striker or in the no.10 role Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Isco’s performances have been heavily criticised this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But reports suggest the French boss will have to make sacrifices in order to bring in the 26-year-old striker, who is highly-rated across Europe.
      Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Isco and Vinicius Jr could join Juventus in order to make way for the move as Zidane bids to bolster his strike force in the next window.
      The Los Blancos boss has tried to capture Dybala in previous windows but has failed despite huge fees reportedly being involved.
      A two-for-one swap is believed to be more likely to challenge Juventus and manager Andrea Pirlo’s resistance.

      It could also prove beneficial for Madrid, who have seen the two players involved on their side of the deal hit the headlines in the past few days.
      Club stalwart Karim Benzema was caught on camera appearing to tell team-mates not to pass to Vinicius Jr during their 2-2 Champions League draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
      Zidane’s side went into half-time 1-0 down and French TV station Telefoot reports he told left-back Ferland Mendy “don’t play with him. On my mother’s life, he [Vinicius] is playing against us.”
      Although he doesn’t reference the Brazilian winger in particular, Spanish publication Marca report how Vinicius Jr was the topic of conversation.

      Talented Vinicius, 20, duels with Sergino Dest in El Clasico, days before he clashes with Benzema in a Champions League gameCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Meanwhile, Isco alarmed fans as training photos emerged this week of the once trim midfielder looking out of shape.
      He is also reported to have drawn the ire of captain Sergio Ramos who has taken issue with his string of poor performances this season.
      And the 28-year-old has also been seen on camera blasting his manager’s substitutions in just the latest demonstration of behind-the-scenes turmoil at the club.

      The form of Isco is in huge contrast to Dybala, who notched up 11 goals and 11 assists in 33 Serie A games for Juve last season.
      He was heavily linked to Tottenham during the last transfer window but remained in Turin.
      In the last few days, Chelsea are also reported to have re-entered the race to sign him.

      Inside Karim Benzema’s astonishing tunnel bust-up as he tells Real Madrid team-mates not to pass to Vinicius More

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      Rivaldo dismisses Barcelona as Champions League contenders as Brazilian says Bartomeu stepping down was ‘right decision’

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      BARCELONA’S Champions League hopes have been dismissed by Rivaldo.
      And the club legend says president Josep Bartomeu was “right” to quit.

      Rivaldo believes Josep Bartomeu’s exit as president is a positive step on the road to much-needed stability for BarcelonaCredit: EPA

      Lionel Messi faces more Champions League pain with Ronald Koeman’s Barca this season, according to Brazil legend RivaldoCredit: EPA

      Brazil great Rivaldo claims Ronald Koeman’s Barca lack the “chemistry” or confidence to return quickly to Europe’s top table.
      The Spanish giants sit just 14th in laLiga with seven points from five games, although Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Juventus made it two victories from two Champions League group matches.
      And ex-Milan midfielder Rivaldo, 48, said: “There’s a long way to go this season but so far I haven’t seen the classic Barcelona of old. 
      “I don’t have much confidence in this team and think they aren’t showing enough chemistry to fight for the Champions League title.

      “They can battle for La Liga with Real and Atletico Madrid because they still have great players and a big aura in Spain.
      “But I’m not so confident about Barca’s chances among Europe’s elite.”
      Nou Camp icon Lionel Messi has failed to net in open play this season after asking to leave in the summer, before accepting he had had to stay until at least the end of the campaign.
      But Messi’s third penalty of the term finished off a Juve side missing his quarantined old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

      And Betfair ambassador Rivaldo believes Bartomeu’s departure, following his role in the Messi saga, is the best outcome for everyone.
      He said: “The uncertainty around the future of Josep Bartomeu… was causing instability at the club.
      “In the end, it became inevitable that he had to step down.
      “There were so many critics, I believe it was the right decision to finally solve the situation and let the club go forward.

      “I’m sure Bartomeu wanted the best for the club but it was a good decision to face the situation once and for all by quitting. 
      “The club needs stability and the focus must return to the football.
      “The longer this process continued the worst it would have been for the club.”

      Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has handed in his resignation from the club More

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      Pep Guardiola wanted back by Barcelona from Man City by presidential candidate to help convince Lionel Messi to stay

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is wanted by one of the Barcelona presidential candidates in a bid to try and keep Lionel Messi at the club.
      The resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu has left candidates for the top job jostling for position, with the future of Messi high on the agenda.

      Guardiola is still a popular figure at the Catalan club after leading them to two Champions League trophiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Guardiola smiles alongside presidential candidate Victor FontCredit: Instagram @victor_font

      The 33-year-old star, widely seen as the best player in the world, had a falling out with Bartomeu which accelerated the president’s exit from the club on Tuesday.
      Victor Font, one of those vying to replace him, believes the Messi problem can be solved by rehiring current Manchester City boss Guardiola, who enjoyed extraordinary success with the Argentine ace at the Nou Camp before he quit in 2012.
      Font told Sky Sports News he wants to return to the glory days and added: “Most of the best professionals who know about this style are also fans and love the club, like Pep Guardiola, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol.
      “They are all legends that love Barcelona but do not work for Barça today – we need to bring them back to ensure we will have a very competitive project.

      “The only thing Messi needs is to know he is part of a competitive project that aspires to win the next Champions League.
      “We have no doubt that if we basically have the honour to take the helm of FC Barcelona we will be able to achieve that [Messi staying].”
      Font’s comments parallel that of bosses at the Etihad, who are keen to reunite Messi and Barcelona.
      Much speculation has surrounded the forward moving to Manchester either last summer or next, and City’s chief operating officer Omar Berrada added fuel to the fire earlier this month when he spoke of the ‘amazing talent’ and added that any club in the world would ‘explore’ signing him.

      Reports also suggest that a new president has strengthened the possibility of Messi staying, following the breakdown of his relationship with Bartomeu.

      The tension between the two boiled over in the summer as Messi fought to leave the club, but was prevented so by the hierarchy in a dispute over a clause in his contract.
      He begrudgingly stayed to be part of Ronald Koeman’s team, who have had a patchy start to the season.
      The past week demonstrated their inconsistency as they fell to a El Clasico defeat against Real Madrid but then beat Juventus in the Champions League a few days later.

      Dietmar Hamann fears Pep Guardiola has peaked at Manchester City and can’t see them winning the Prem More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: The ‘who is better’ debate ended once and for all by those who played alongside BOTH

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO or Lionel Messi?
      For well over a decade, fans have bickered in pubs, parks and playgrounds about which superstar is better.

      Who is truly the greatest of all-time: Messi or Ronaldo?

      Now more than ever supporters seem to be arguing the case for their favourite on social media.
      Both have enjoyed glittering careers, winning loads of trophies, scoring hundreds of goals and earning piles of personal accolades.
      In truth there is no way us mere mortals can truly know whether Ronaldo or Messi is the best of all-time.
      So we’ve gone to those who know them best to find out who they think is No1.

      Below are 12 stars who played alongside both during their careers – and who THEY believe to be the best ever…
      PAULO DYBALA

      Dybala is a current team-mate of Messi and Ronaldo – and couldn’t separate the two
      CURRENTLY a club team-mate of Ronaldo and international pal of Messi – Dybala refused to commit to either when asked which of the two was best.
      The Juventus and Argentina ace diplomatically claimed: “It is impossible to make a comparison between the two of them or say who is the best.
      “They are at a level on a par with each other and well above everybody else and that has been the case for several years.”

      RESULT: Draw
      DECO

      Deco couldn’t split Ronaldo and Messi
      THE midfield maestro played alongside Messi during the Argentine’s early days at the Nou Camp – while featuring alongside Ronaldo for Portugal.
      But when asked to end the “who’s better” debate, Deco opted against naming EITHER – instead choosing former Barcelona pal Ronaldinho.
      Deco revealed: “From the outset, it is clear that Leo and Cristiano are the greatest.
      “Especially because no one thought they could take so many years to this level, but the one that impressed me most despite not being so decisive was Ronaldinho.
      “For me, he will always be the best.
      “We met in Barcelona and immediately connected with him, the moments I lived with him are difficult to compare to anything. It was magical.”
      RESULT: Draw
      ANGEL DI MARIA

      Di Maria considers it an honour to play alongside Messi
      THE Paris Saint-Germain winger teamed up with Ronaldo at Real Madrid – where they won the 2014 Champions League – and has played many times with Messi for his country.
      But on who was better, Di Maria claimed Messi was the one, saying: “It was a dream to have the possibility to play with [Wayne] Rooney, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Leo [Messi]…
      “Leo is the best of the four.
      “With all the great players I have played with, it’s hard to choose. But if I had to pick one, it would be Leo.
      “Messi is the best in the world – there is no question about that.
      “When I am an old man I will tell my grandchildren bedtime stories about when I won the Champions League, hopefully when I won the World Cup…
      “But most of all I will tell them their grandfather used to play with Lionel Messi.”
      RESULT: Messi
      GABRIEL HEINZE

      Heinze was the only star to play alongside both who opted for Ronaldo
      THE Argentine left-back played with Ronaldo at Manchester United and Messi for his country – but their paths would have crossed at Newell’s Old Boys too, when Messi was a lad.
      Over the years, Heinze has had his say on both.
      In 2008, he claimed: “If I had to pay for one player I would choose [Ronaldo].
      “I don’t think Cristiano will get any better as a footballer, he is already next to God in his ability.”
      But in 2016, he added: “Leo is inexplicable. Footballistically, he does not come from this planet. And as a person, he leads such a quiet life that is admirable.”
      Despite his glowing praise, technically he did not overturn his decision to name Ronaldo in 2008…
      RESULT: Ronaldo
      GONZALO HIGUAIN

      Higuain currently plays alongside both Messi and Ronaldo
      A team-mate of Ronaldo’s at Juve – after a spell together at Real Madrid – and Messi for Argentina, Higuain knows all about both.
      And he revealed: “[Ronaldo and I] had already played together with Real. Many years have passed, and I have found another player, a more mature person, with a family.
      “I enjoyed playing alongside him before and I am glad that we are back together.
      “I’m a forward and I have the chance to play with Messi. It’s a privilege to play alongside him.
      “Every time he gets the ball you need to be on your toes because you know that at any moment he can give you a great ball or pull your marker away from you.
      “He does things that a striker can anticipate but a defender can’t.”
      RESULT: Draw
      FERNANDO GAGO

      Fernando Gago opted for Messi over Ronaldo having played with both
      ANOTHER former Real team-mate of Ronaldo who played alongside Messi for Argentina, Gago was in no doubts as to is the better player.
      Gago claimed: “For me he [Ronaldo] is not No1. For me, the best in the world is Messi because of the way he plays, moves with the ball and changes matches.
      “Messi has incredible ability and I love the way that he plays.
      “We know that he has the ability to win a match in half a second and that gives you peace of mind.
      “In every game I have the feeling that he can make us win at any time. Messi’s way of leading is with the ball, sometimes a glance is enough.
      “He has an incredible personality, he understands the game perfectly, he has fought for 14 years to be the best without letting himself down, and that shows how he is.
      “He is the best I have seen in my life, without a doubt.”
      RESULT: Messi
      EZEQUIEL GARAY

      Garay opted for his fellow Argentine Messi over Ronaldo
      YET another former Los Blancos team-mate of Ronaldo who starred on the international scene with Messi, Garay also ranks Leo as the No1.
      Garay revealed: “When people ask me who is the best player ever, I say Leo.
      “From the first time I saw him with Argentina Under-15s to this day he continues to amaze me. He has no limit.”
      RESULT: Messi
      ANDRE GOMES

      Gomes spent time with Messi at Barcelona and still plays with Ronaldo for Portugal now
      THE Everton midfielder spent two years playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, and is captained by Ronaldo for the Portuguese national team.
      And he claimed: “[Ronaldo] is a very important player, who is always present and ready to play.
      “He is very serious about the responsibility of leading our country, we have great spirit, and he’s a great example for all of us.
      “Everyone knows that Messi is very, very good. He does things in games that you cannot explain; he just knows different things and can do it.
      “In training it is a show, because every day he can invent something new.
      “You think you’re used to it, but there is always one day you go to the dressing room surprised by something he has done.”
      RESULT: Draw

      HENRIK LARSSON

      Larsson opted for Messi over Ronaldo thanks to their time at Barca
      THE Swedish legend won the Champions League with Messi, early in the Barca star’s career, and played 13 times alongside Ronaldo during his loan spell at Old Trafford.
      But Larsson knows who he’d choose, saying: “Cristiano is unlucky to be playing at the same time as Messi.
      “Ronaldo is a very good player, but Messi is even better.
      “He is out of this world. He’s so good that it’s almost incredible.
      “When you see him with the ball at his feet it’s hard to believe that anybody else could do the same. He’s a fantastic player to see.”
      RESULT: Messi
      GERARD PIQUE

      Gerard Pique chose long-standing Barca pal Messi over Ronaldo
      THE Spaniard played with Ronaldo early in his own Man Utd career and is now a long-serving team-mate of Messi at the Nou Camp.
      He has his favourite though, saying: “Cristiano is a perfect machine, a hard worker who always wants to improve.
      “I always said that Messi has some talent that no one has.
      “For me it’s like Messi is not human but [Ronaldo] is the best of the humans.”
      RESULT: Messi
      NELSON SEMEDO

      Semedo is a former team-mate of Messi, while he plays with Ronaldo for Portugal
      HAVING won back-to-back LaLiga crowns at Barcelona before moving to Wolves, along with the Uefa Nations League with Portugal, Semedo has enjoyed success with both Messi and Ronaldo.
      And he claimed: “Real Madrid have noticed [Ronaldo’s] absence a lot.
      “I cannot say that it was bad for [Barcelona] that Cristiano left. With him it would have been a more difficult league for us, more competitive.
      “He is a player that requires a lot of attention and care.
      “Messi is spectacular. It’s a privilege to play with him, he always surprises, he’s from another planet.”
      While the quotes suggest he favours Messi, there is no concrete evidence to prove it, so this goes down as a draw.
      RESULT: Draw
      CARLOS TEVEZ

      Carlos Tevez has partnered both forwards up front during his career
      A FORMER Man Utd team-mate of Ronaldo during some trophy-laden years and a long-serving Argentina colleague of Messi, Tevez knows both stars very well.
      On the debate, he said: “Cristiano always stopped in the gym after training: for him it is an obsession and, being the best in everything.
      “Messi plays another sport. For Messi to score three goals [in any given game] is normal.”
      Much like Semedo, while it feels Tevez would sway towards Messi, he’s not come out and said it just yet…
      RESULT: Draw
      SO WHO IS THE WINNER?

      Lionel Messi takes the win over old frenemy Cristiano Ronaldo, according to those who’ve played with bothCredit: Reuters
      WITH six draws from the 12 players, many were either unsure of who is truly better or unwilling to rock the boat.
      But of the six who did commit to giving an answer, FIVE chose Messi, with just one player picking Ronaldo.
      So that settles it then?
      Maybe not. You can have your say with our exclusive poll. Or just sit back and enjoy watching them play.

      (Can’t see the poll above? Tap/click here to open the article in a new tab.)

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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      Barcelona hopes of keeping Lionel Messi boosted by Josep Maria Bartomeu’s resignation in transfer blow to Man City

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      BARCELONA’S hopes of keeping Lionel Messi have been given a huge boost following the resignation of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, according to reports.
      The 57-year-old and his entire board of directors left the club on Tuesday following the defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico.

      Messi’s future has been uncertain after months of turmoil at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bartomeu was unpopular among much of the fanbase Credit: EPA

      Bartomeu had come under increasing pressure after falling out with star player Lionel Messi and the club’s decline, both on the pitch and off it.
      It is now believed his absence could help the Catalan giants keep Messi for another season – in what would come as a huge blow to Manchester City.
      The Telegraph report that Bartomeu’s departure could have a big impact on what Messi chooses to do next, with the Argentine star now more willing to sign a new contract.
      His current deal was set to run out next summer – meaning Pep Guardiola’s Man City and other European clubs could swoop in as soon as January and sign him up on a pre-contract.

      But the end of the internal power struggle against Bartomeu means the Argentine superstar may now be tempted to retire at his beloved Barca.
      It would end hopes of the 33-year-old linking up again with Guardiola, after the pair achieved remarkable success together at Barcelona, including two Champions Leagues where they outplayed all opponents.
      Earlier this month Etihad bosses were also talking up the prospect of a reunion, with chief operating officer Omar Berrada hailing the generational talent and claiming that all clubs would ‘explore’ bringing him in.
      But with Bartomeu now gone, the game has changed for any clubs sniffing at the possibility.

      A petition of 20,000 demanded that the former president walk, despite his two-term reign ending in March.
      Large swathes of the fanbase grew unhappy as the Messi transfer saga escalated in the summer, with the prospect of the forward taking the club to court at one point a genuine possibility.
      Messi had wanted to leave following the club’s humiliating 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final and believed a clause in his contract allowed him to exit for free.
      But the extension of the season due to coronavirus complicated matters and the club claimed Messi instead needed to stump up £623m in order to quit.

      Although he stayed, fans were left unimpressed by the handling of the situation, with the row spilling over into the public and dominating the Spanish press for multiple weeks.
      Resentment also grew over the club’s finances – which left manager Ronald Koeman limited in the transfer market – and the lack of major trophies won in recent years.
      In his resignation speech, Bartomeu also claimed he had accepted proposals for the club to join the European Super League.

      Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu defends role in Lionel Messi transfer saga More

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      European Super League would DESTROY Premier League, warns Arsene Wenger with Fifa ‘not aware’ of Barcelona agreement

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      ARSENE WENGER reckons a European Super League would ‘destroy’ the Premier League.
      Talks have taken place over the creation of a new £4.6billion league for up to 18 teams.

      Arsene Wenger has said a European Super League would ‘destroy’ the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor

      But Wenger, 71, has insisted it will have a catastrophic impact on the English top-flight.
      The legendary Arsenal manager told the Guardian: “The Premier League has a superiority.
      “The project [Big Picture] wanted to reinforce this superiority.
      “The other leagues tried to destroy the advantage the Premier League has.

      “For them, the best thing to attain that is to create a European league.
      “So that means to destroy the Premier League, basically.
      “So if they get the agreement from the English big clubs, it will happen.”
      When asked whether it is just business instead of football, he said: “It is football as well. But of course, we are in a period of owners who are investors.

      Josep Maria Bartomeu claimed Barcelona had agreed to join the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “What are the investors’ first target? It’s to make more money.
      “And so that the European Super League is one way maybe to make more money.”
      Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed Barcelona have agreed to join the European Super League on Tuesday.
      The club president – who has handed in his resignation – insisted it will guarantee the ‘future financial sustainability’ of the team.

      But Fifa have confirmed they are not aware of any agreement for Barcelona to join the league.
      In a statement, football’s world governing body said: “Fifa is not aware of any agreement.
      “As we already said last week, the topic of a so-called ‘European Super League’ comes up every now and then and Fifa has no wish to comment further on this since there are already well-established football institutional structures to deal with it.”

      Arteta opens door for Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal after helping shape club into Premier League giants More

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      Gerard Pique ‘inserted Barcelona quit clause into new contract and can leave when he likes but not to rival’

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      GERARD PIQUE reportedly has a contract clause allowing him to quit Barcelona whenever he likes.
      The former Manchester United defender’s deal, which expires in 2024, allegedly has exit clauses that can be triggered by both player and club.

      Gerard Pique has a quit clause in his Barcelona contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Pique, 33, has already agreed to reduce his £220,000-a-week wages by 50 per cent this season to help the Catalan giants combat the financial impact of coronavirus.
      And other contractual details have now also emerged from Spanish outlet Sport.
      The Spaniard’s deal reportedly has a clause which ‘gives him the option to leave if he considers his time over’.

      But this can only be triggered if he intends to ‘retire or play elsewhere – like the MLS’.
      He cannot ‘leave to play for another top Europan side’, it’s claimed.
      However, the arrangement is not all one sided as Barca are able to cancel the remainder of the contract if the club stalwart does not play in at least 35 per cent of their games.
      As one of the senior members of the group, Pique’s agreement to a salary reduction was well received.

      Marc Andre ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet and Frenkie de Jong are also said to have had their pay reduced by 30 per cent.

      Last week Pique revealed he tried to get Lionel Messi to stay when the Argentine looked set to leave and wants Barca to name their new stadium after him.
      He told La Vanguardia: “As president, I would have acted differently.
      “I asked Leo to stay. I didn’t have many dealings with him at that time because I thought it was a very personal decision.
      “I remember I said, ‘Leo, it’s one year, and then new people [to run the club] will come’.
      “I ask myself, ‘How can it be that the best player in history, who we have had the holy luck to enjoy, gets up one day and sends a burofax because he feels that they are not listening to him?’
      “Everything is too shocking. What’s going on? Leo deserves everything.
      “The new stadium should be named after him, and then that of the sponsor. We must preserve our legends, not discredit them. It makes me nervous.”
      There have been huge changes at Barcelona this week, with under-fire president Josep Bartomeu stepping down in the wake of a no-confidence vote.
      Pique has been with Barcelona since 2008.
      He started out at their academy before switching to United in 2004 where he stayed for four years.

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