Gerard Pique: Many of those criticising Umtiti have done nothing in 30 years
The defender backed his team-mate against the whistles and jeers of Camp Nou
Gerard Pique’s name has been in everybody’s mouth. After being ‘caught’ surfing in Cantabria without his medical clearance to play and appearing on comedy show La Sotana, he’s made the headlines. One of the more interesting things he said was about teammate Samuel Umtiti.
“Most people who whistle, I’m convinced they’re at their job where they’ve worked 30 years and they don’t do a thing but they know they can’t be kicked out,” said Pique. “I know it’s hard but you have to put yourself in the player’s skin. People have the right to whistle, I don’t tell them to stop whistling, but to be empathetic and step into the player’s skin. If they want to whistle, they can whistle.
“Another thing is who signed Umtiti’s contract. Umtiti was renewed by a person whom the socios voted for. In the end the socios, and I’m not blaming anyone, have the responsibility of choosing ap resident who renews players. In his case he was renewed and it was the right decision because in that moment everyone would have done it.”
The Frenchman has been registered this season, No 22, and is ready to play if Koeman wants him.
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