Gerard Pique and Shakira’s romance has been confirmed since early 2011, but now the relationship is threatening to mar the footballer’s career.
Pique, until a few weeks ago, was a regular starter for Barcelona , probably the finest team in the world. Recently, he’s been excluded from key games, including a recent UEFA Champions League clash. Why is the defender suddenly a pariah?
Reports from Spanish papers claim Barca manager Pep Guardiola is displeased with how Pique is being distracted by his relationship with Shakira.
The papers say that friction first occurred when Pique posted pictures of himself vacationing with the pop star. He was seen in the photos white-water rafting, an activity forbidden by his high-flying club. Supposedly Pique has been late to training more than once this season, and has broken other team rules.
Guardiola is still mulling over whether to stay with Barcelona, but newspaper reports have suggested he’ll only stay if Pique goes.
However, there are other forces to consider. The higher-ups at Barcelona feel Pique is too valuable to lose. As a relative youngster (25) and an accomplished center-back, the club is keen to keep him, especially as fellow defender and club captain Carles Puyol (33) is entering the twilight seasons of his career.
This isn’t the first time a footballer has been marginalized by a manager displeased about a high profile romance. David Beckham disappeared from Manchester United’s dressing room after he got together with future wife Victoria. It was later reported that manager Alex Ferguson had been displeased with the intense publicity that followed the couple about.