Pique: If there was a moment I thought about leaving, it was with Guardiola

The Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says if there "was a moment" when he thought about about leaving the club it was in "the last season with Pep Guardiola" as coach, in 2011-12.

"We reached a moment of tension with him, not just me but the dressing room in general," Pique told La Sotana. 

"The rivalry with Jose Mourinho['s Real Madrid] wore us down a lot. Pep wanted absolute control over everything that was happening.  

"I started dating Shakira and our relationship changed. Now, the relationship is perfect. But there was a lot of pressure on me then. I felt like I had to do everything in training perfectly. 

"If there was a moment I thought about leaving Barca, it was that [2011-12] season. I struggled in that last season with Guardiola."

Meanwhile, asked if Josep Maria Bartomeu was the worst president Barça have had, Pique said "I can't say if he is the worst president [ever], but from what I have experienced, he must be [up] there."

In addition, Pique also defended teammate Samuel Umtiti, who has been whistled bu supporters for not wanting to leave the club.

"He's fulfilling all his obligations," Pique said. "Fans must be empathetic with players. Samu's attitude is impeccable, he trains at this best, never misses a session..."