Pique says his priorities are ‘football, football, football’

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The defender has responded to recent criticism

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has insisted that he is focused on football amid suggestions he has been distracted by his off-field activities this season.

The centre-back spoke on Tuesday at the Catalan FA’s annual awards, where he was named the best player, about how football remains his top priority despite his involvement in the revamped Davis Cup tennis tournament.

“I’m very proud to be here, I want to thank my friends and the club. Football, football, football, those are my priorities,” he said.

”It seems to some that I’m distracted with the Davis Cup, but you can do both things and we’ve worked a lot.

”There are times when things come off better, there are times when we win and others when we don’t.

”But, independent from that, I have shown in these years that my love for this shirt and my desire to give everything on the pitch is sacred and it will be until the day I retire.

”My desire is there, it will be for many years. As long as I’m still performing and enjoying, I would like to be here. The day I can no longer play, I’ll give it up.”

Source | Marca

Pique was forced off with injury against Atletico Madrid on Sunday after a heavy challenge from Vitolo. Ernesto Valverde said after the match he could have carried on but was taken off as a precaution, and reports have suggested he should be OK to play against Real Mallorca.

Source: barcablaugranes.com