Gerard Pique is ‘suffering’ from recent headlines according to Barcelona’s chief

Pique’s meeting with Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales was recorded and leaked in April, revealing the pair’s plans to bring the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.

Despite having retired from international football, the defender had also urged Rubiales to assist him in playing at the Olympic Games in 2020, according to the same audio discussion.

Since then, the Barcelona star has announced his breakup from longtime partner and Colombian pop singer Shakira.

According to Sport, Laporta agreed that Pique was struggling with the headlines but argued that the 35-year-old was still a ‘nice person’ on Thursday.

‘Pique is in pain,’ Laporta explained. ‘They [footballers] are people, regardless of how much money and celebrity they have.

‘He’s a captain, and he’s still got a lot to offer.’ Gerard has made up his mind.

‘He deserves the adoration of the cules (fans) – don’t believe all you hear, he’s a decent person.’

‘He has opted to remain a footballer rather than a businessman.’

On Thursday evening, Barcelona took a crucial step toward resolving the club’s financial problems.

The board has now been given authority to sell 49.9% of Barcelona Licensing and Merchandising, bringing in at least €200 million.

The club would be able to repurchase its stake at a later time.

A second motion was also approved, allowing the club to sell 25% of its broadcast revenue for the following 25 years.