Messi is untouchable- Pique

Gerard Pique has rejected Johan Cruyff’s suggestion that Barcelona may plan for Lionel Messi’s sale, and defended the club’s reliance on the No 10.

Former player, Coach and honorary President Cruyff last week suggested that the Catalans should only have signed Neymar this summer if they were preparing to sell Messi, to avoid possible conflict between the two.

However, it is not a view shared by one of Messi’s teammates.

“He is the best player in the world and has given us so much that it is inconceivable that he would not be here,” Pique told Sport today.

“Are we Messi-dependent? It has been so in recent years, we know his importance and it would be foolish not to use him.

“When you have the best player in the world, why would you not use him? It would not make sense.

“His persona? Around him there is much fuss, but he is normal, his image is perceived on the outside.

“He is calm and fits in very well. Being the star that he is, he lives life naturally.

“Neymar’s arrival? People are used to living among big players.”

The defender was asked of the prospect of Barca signing Thiago Silva.

“If he were to arrive, he would be welcome. Great players are always welcome at the Camp Nou and a player of his features works perfectly.”

There are reports that the club want to sign Pique to a new contract.

“So far we have not sat down to talk, but if the club wants to continue and so do I, there will be no problems.”