Gerard Piqué opens up on radio about football, lawfulness and the Kings League
Gerard Piqué, the former star of FC Barcelona and a lasting figure in Spanish football, spoke openly on RAC1, a Catalan radio station, about a range of topics from the Kings League and the Davis Cup to FC Barcelona news and the Negreira case. The interview offered a snapshot of Piqué’s current perspective as he reflects on life after his playing days and the evolving landscape of his footballing projects.
On the Negreira case
When pressed about the Negreira case, Piqué recalled that the club had not disclosed payments to the official involved. He noted that long-serving players, especially those who have seen many seasons, understand the referees well. He also acknowledged that coaches have historically used match reports as part of their preparation and strategy. Piqué stated that if someone wanted to influence referees, it would be possible through discreet incentives, but he emphasized that he would not claim Barca bought referees. He suggested that if someone wanted to influence a referee, it would be as simple as paying a guard with an envelope. His remarks reflected his view that the situation has been sensationalized, and he urged caution in interpreting such actions by clubs and officials.
Barça’s defense and the trust in the club’s innocence
Piqué defended FC Barcelona against accusations surrounding the case, saying that although some voices tried to complicate the narrative, the period had a sense of beauty for the club. He explained that while rival teams and much of La Liga had not supported Barca at that time, he understood the pressure fans felt. Nevertheless, he expressed unwavering faith in the club and its direction, underscoring his belief that the institution would emerge with its integrity intact.
The current view of Barça after retirement
Looking at Barcelona now, Piqué described the squad as strong and well-led, with the club continuing to set historic benchmarks and aiming for more trophies. He suggested that the team showed notable cohesion and discipline during the season, pointing out that the dressing room dynamics had a positive influence on performance. He also mentioned that he did not preemptively celebrate any victories, highlighting a focus on steady progress rather than quick celebrations. When asked about his own role, he emphasized that sustaining consistency is essential for anyone stepping away from the pitch and that personal decisions must align with long-term principles.
Leaving FC Barcelona and the reasons behind it
On his departure from Barca, Piqué called the move a healthy one for all parties involved. He explained that after many years of significance within the squad, his role naturally evolved, and playing opportunities became less frequent. He described the decision as a thoughtful process, driven by a combination of aging, the changing dynamics of the team, and a desire to maintain personal and professional integrity. He said he spent weeks considering what would be best and felt his conclusion was correct in the end.
About the Kings League
Piqué spoke about his newest project, the Kings League, sharing ambitious attendance figures. He noted that the league had already sold about 70,000 tickets and hoped to reach 90,000 for select events. He mentioned that a future desire was to bring the Kings League to the iconic Camp Nou, envisioning a massive turnout there. He recounted reaching an agreement with the club that would ensure the Kings League benefits from shared ticket pricing and that all proceeds from the events would be directed toward production costs. This approach, he explained, was designed to maximize the event’s impact while ensuring financial transparency for the competition and the club alike.
These remarks from Piqué illustrate a figure who continues to shape the future of football in Spain through ownership of leagues, a perspective shaped by his long experience inside one of the world’s most scrutinized clubs. The dialogue also reflects a broader shift within football where former players become decision-makers and entrepreneurs in their own right, exploring new formats and fan engagement strategies while staying mindful of the sport’s traditions and competitive integrity. The interview remains a window into how a high-profile athlete navigates post-retirement life, responsibility to supporters, and the urge to innovate within the game. (Goal)