Pique Reveals Dating Shakira Led To Relationship Breakdown With Guardiola
Gerard Pique has revealed that his relationship with Colombian pop star Shakira once set him on a collision course with then Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.
Pique played some of his best football under the current Manchester City manager between 2008 and 2012, winning three La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, two UEFA Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups and three Spanish Super Cups together at the Camp Nou.
Pique has been in a relationship with Shakira since 2011 and the couple have two sons together.
Guardiola’s last season with Barcelona ended on an underwhelming note as they lost their Champions League and La Liga crowns to Chelsea and Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid respectively.
Pique told Spanish newspaper Marca: “We reached an important point of tension with him, and with the dressing room in general.
“The rivalry with José Mourinho was very exhausting. Pep wanted absolute control of everything that happened.
“I started dating Shakira and the relationship with him changed; now the relationship is perfect. I had a lot of pressure. I felt that in training I had to do everything perfect.
“If there was a moment in which I thought about leaving Barça, it was that season 2011-12. I suffered a lot in this last year with him.”
At 34, Pique is still going strong with Barcelona and recently took a pay cut to help the club through its financial struggles.
