Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has played down the rivalry between his teammates and Real Madrid players.
He also disclosed that he speaks to Real Madrid’s Spanish players on a WhatsApp group
Pique was speaking on his Players’ Tribune blog which was posted on Thursday
In his words, Pique said: “I’m going to let you in on a little inside information. Everybody knows that footballers have text groups on WhatsApp. I have one just for my friends from home, and I have another just for my Barca team-mates.”
“But my favourite one might surprise you. Earlier this season, when we were already eight or nine points clear of Real Madrid in the league, I started a special group for some of the guys on the Spanish national team who play for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“If you only read what the media says, you would think that we hate one another. But, in fact, we all get along really well, and we text back and forth about tactics and football philosophies and even the books we’re reading.
“It’s the best. We’re just like little kids. And the truth is, it’s especially hilarious for me right now, because now we’re up 15 points on Real in the league. So I’m getting very creative in my responses.” he added.
Speaking further, the former Manchester United defender: “Last season, when the Real guys were winning everything, they were feeling pretty good. They were talking s**t constantly whenever I saw them at national team training.
“Man, every time they won a match last season, they were posting shirtless photos on Instagram from the locker room. Remember that?
“They were smiling and flexing their muscles like The Rock and saying #HalaMadrid and posting little trophy emojis. This season, though, it’s a different vibe. All their Instagram photos are looking very somber. “3 points today. We must keep working harder!”
“So I’m texting them in the WhatsApp group, “Come on guys, why so serious?!” Then I put a little crying emoji, and a laughing emoji. I even made a special name for the group. It’s called: CONGRATULATIONS.” he concluded.
