Gerard Pique and Shakira ‘split’ rumours denied as Barcelona star remains defiant after booing from Spain fans
Ex-Man Utd defender - under fire for backing Catalonia independence - is still with the pop singer, according to her publicist
GERARD PIQUE has split the opinion of Spanish fans - but not split with long-time love Shakira.
The pop singer's publicist claims trouble-makers - angry at the Barcelona defender backing Catalonia independence - are stirring up false rumours.
Former Manchester United star Pique has been targeted by many Spain fans.
And Shakira's publicist has now told : "Shakira and Gerard Pique’s relationship is still going strong. Everything is the same."
The statement adds that people “who want to harm Pique” are spreading "only rumours".
Pique, 30, who has been with Shakira for six years, was happy to be pictured voting for Catalonia to become an independent state.
The Spanish government say the ballot is illegal and will change nothing.
But Pique, who has a genius level IQ of above 140, has continued to be a vocal, articulate supporter of independence.
He said last week: “Us Catalans aren’t the bad guys, we just want to vote. When you vote, you can vote 'yes', 'no' or not at all, but you can still vote.
“Under Franco’s regime, you couldn’t vote and it’s a right that we have to defend.
“I am and feel Catalan. And I do more than ever now."
He insists he will be as focused as ever for the national team at the World Cup finals next year - unless Spain's football chiefs think he would be a bad influence.
Pique said: "I really think I can still go with the national team because I’m convinced that there are thousands of people who are in total disagreement with what’s happened.
“But I’ll also say that if the coach or another executive in the Federation thinks I’m a problem or a disturbance in the national team, I have no qualms about stepping aside and leaving the team before 2018."
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