Shropshire Star

Pique: Instagram post was ‘gut thing’ but I hope Neymar stays at Barcelona

Spanish defender backtracks on his weekend post that said Neymar was staying at the Nou Camp.

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Gerard Pique admits he does not know for sure whether Neymar will stay at Barcelona amid interest from Paris St Germain.

Neymar has been the subject of speculation this summer, with reports that PSG had agreed to activate his release clause of almost £200million.

Barca defender Pique posted a message on social media on Sunday which appeared to suggest the Brazil forward had committed his future to the Nou Camp.

Pique posted a picture of himself with Neymar, along with the simple message “se queda”, which translates as “he stays”.

However, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday night, Pique acknowledged his opinion was not definitive.

The 30-year-old said: “My Instagram post was a gut thing. I want Neymar to stay. It’s my intuition.

Neymar in action against Juventus during their US tour
Neymar in action against Juventus during their US tour (Julio Cortez/AP)

“It was nothing official, it doesn’t depend on me. Only Neymar can say what will happen, but I hope he stays.

“I try to explain to Neymar, as a team-mate and a friend, the situation he’s in. I would say don’t go to a league which, with all due respect, is not as good.”

Barcelona are currently in the United States on a pre-season tour and Neymar is expected to face Manchester United in the early hours of Thursday morning.

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