The two defenders share the field for Spain but are massive rivals at club level, where the Barcelona man is pushing a conspiracy theory
The war of words between Real Madrid and Barcelona is always fun.
Gerard Pique made sure it stayed sparked up after Spain’s win over France on Tuesday, questioning why the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar face accusations – potentially referring to the duo’s recent legal battles – while there’s “nothing for Ronaldo” from what the Barcelona defender claims is a Real Madrid-biased environment.
Pique pointed to his Spain team-mate, Sergio Ramos, scoring to win the Champions League last season, from what he believes was an offside position, but drawing little reaction as proof that the Real Madrid players get a different reaction from the media.
Though the comments could lead to drama within the Spain team, the Madrid defender was quick to pass it off as Pique being Pique, and even joked about the Barcelona man looking good in Real’s famous colours.
“Pique? What he says won’t change any of Real Madrid,” Ramos told reporters after Spain’s win. “It won’t take years away from us, it won’t take titles away from us. It doesn’t matter.
“This is part of Pique’s persona. We are not going to change him at 30. We have to enjoy him as a footballer because he is one hell of a player. We have to tell him to wear white more often, it fits him very well.”
While the two share the field for the Spanish national side they are fierce competitors at club level.
Madrid currently hold a two-point advantage and a game in hand over Barca in La Liga, with both clubs also still fighting for the Champions League crown, and Ramos made it clear that he doesn’t agree with the Catalan point of view.
“My goal from the 11th title was offside?” he asked. “If we start talking about everything… what about Iniesta (who scored a controversial winner against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semi-final)… they are not the ones to talk, they are not. And not this year.
“I don’t think Real Madrid will get upset about Piqué’s statements. It would be a bother if it’s Iniesta, who never speaks. But it’s Piqué…it’s one more.”
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