Over the years, Gerard Pique has become one of the most significant Spanish defenders of all time. But currently, he is most known for his infidelity saga with ex-partner Shakira. The FC Barcelona veteran retired from the game in November 2022. During his long tenure at FC Barcelona, he played under a variety of coaches. There was a time when the soccer veteran faced a lot of friction with Pep Guardiola. The current Manchester City manager was always a perfectionist.

It is important to note that Pique had just spent a few years at Manchester United before returning back to his boyhood club in 2008. But then Shakira entered his life and that’s when the complications with Guardiola began. Due to an uncertain future, the Latin American singer wasn’t sure about living permanently in Spain or not. But in the end, Luis Enrique seemingly came to the rescue.

Luis Enrique once changed Pique’s mind regarding another FC Barcelona exit

The years between 2010 – 12 had the presence of Shakira and Guardiola in Pique’s life. In 2008/09, Guardiola managed to win the treble at the club. While it was quite a defining moment of success, Pique had just returned to the club during that season. And his girlfriend quite evidently revealed that he could feel the pressure in the dressing room.

The gaze of concern at that moment surrounded Shakira. Because the Waka–Waka singer was confused about whether her better half will move to another club again. Because the tensions were high and Guardiola set an unbelievable level of perfectionism. In relation to the same, she told El Pais, “Gerard had a rather complicated relationship with Barca”, as translated by Google Translate.

“With Guardiola, he had a super-tense relationship, of ‘you go or I go’. It was a situation that made him suffer a lot”. While he was questioning his career at the club, Luis Enrique who was then coaching the B team, came to his rescue. Enrique made it clear to him that he would ‘suck a lot of bench’ if he returned back to England. That somehow convinced him to drop the idea of leaving.

Further, Pique stayed with Barca, the celebrity couple bought their gigantic mansion in Barcelona which later turned out to be significant in their separation saga. And Shakira had a lot to say about it. “I buy houses in places and that for me does not imply a commitment, I have houses in Uruguay, New York, Miami, Barranquilla, Nassau, Barcelona. I like them because it is the most comfortable way to be, when I go to stay, I prefer to be in a house”.

“Even during tours, I rent houses, it’s more comfortable and private”. Due to this uncertainty, the Colombian icon was never sure about where to live permanently. Also, she had a music career of herself to focus on. In no way, she would have imagined a tax fraud case coming on her head, a decade later.

READ MORE: Gerard Pique, Who Was Spied on by Pep Guardiola, Admits Strictness by Ex-Barcelona Boss Way Before Meeting Shakira

Pique eventually stayed with the Catalan club and did win many more accolades. But why didn’t young Pique grab and keep the opportunity to create a legacy for himself in England between 2004 – 08? Let’s dive deeper.

Gerard Pique and his dicey spell at Manchester United

Interestingly, Pique signed his first-ever professional contract with Manchester United. But during his tenure in England, he failed to dispossess Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand’s unbreakable bond in defense. In fact, Sir Alex Ferguson loaned him out to Real Zaragoza for the 2006/07 season. After returning from his loan spell, he still couldn’t cement his spot in the starting lineup.

During his four years at the club, he only managed to make 23 senior team appearances. The Spaniard decided to pull the plug on his England experiment. He returned back to FC Barcelona. And honestly, the rest was history. From a soccer perspective, he went on to win the treble the next season. He continued his ever-lasting soccer success by winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup alongside Carles Puyol.

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Did Gerard Pique’s initial struggles with Pep Guardiola help him become a better player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.