Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has stunned fans after he was spotted in Wimbledon with a Chelsea bag on Saturday.
It is well-known that the central defender has a soft spot for tennis, regularly attending tournaments – being a big fan of fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal. However, the fact he was caught with a Chelsea bag is what raised eyebrows.
The 35-year-old joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent four years at the club before heading to the Camp Nou. As a young prospect at the Red Devils, he struggled for minutes at the club and made just 12 Premier League appearances over that time.
Of course, Pique being caught somewhat donning another club's crest sparked transfer speculation. But Marca have reported that he had visited Chelsea’s store to buy shirts for his children, suggesting that they are fans of Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Despite Pique’s contract at Barca expiring in 2024 and there being no suggestion that he is no longer part of Xavi’s plans, some felt the purchases may have had a greater meaning this summer. One wrote: “Get him instead of De Ligt and Kounde.”
Another added: “Decent replacement for Christensen.” However, another took a more realistic view by commenting: “Gerard Pique been to the megastore. Would’ve been a great signing in 2012.”
Pique has been in the headlines earlier this month after he split from pop star partner Shakira after 11 years together. The pair had met at the 2012 South Africa World Cup when Shakira sang the iconic anthem for the tournament in which Pique won with Spain.
Confirming the news, the pair released a joint statement that read: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
The news led some to speculate that the breakup may have been enough for Pique to hang up his boots and focus on his personal life, but Barca president Joan Laporta confirmed that was not the case. He said: “Pique is suffering.
“As much as we imagine, we have in our imagination players with fame, money and everything we like, but they are people and Pique is a great person. He is one of the captains, he is lucky, and he has given a lot and he has to give us a lot.
“And he has gone through a circumstance that is not pleasant at all, with children at a very young age and Pique deserves the esteem and affection of the fans. Do not pay attention to the news that tries to leave him as a frivolous man, without feelings and that everything slips away from him.
“I am lucky to know him and to have treated him as a person. It is a extraordinary person who is suffering. And we have to help him. I will be the first to give him the love he deserves.”
Chelsea will certainly be looking for a defender with the quality that Pique has shown over the course of his career. They recently had to part ways with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, two key figures at Stamford Bridge, who had not signed contract extensions at the club.
