Former Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig has appeared to hit out at the club and coach Xavi Hernandez over their “treatment” of Gerard Pique, who has announced his imminent retirement.
Pique’s retirement announcement followed claims that the defender had a falling out with Barca boss Xavi over a lack of playing time before the player's contract at the club was leaked by Spanish media outlet El Mundo. The 35-year-old had 18 months remaining on his contract, which had been due to end in June 2024.
Central midfielder Puig left the Blaugrana as he completed his transfer to MLS club LA Galaxy this summer having made 57 first-team appearances for Barca after joining the club in 2013, aged 14, with the Catalan giants retaining a repurchase option for the player, which also entitles them to 50 per cent of any future sale.
