Why Pique is in trouble with Barcelona following the Griezmann documentary

Gerard Pique has hit back at Barcelona’s suggestions he created a ‘bad feeling’ around the club over his involvement in Antoine Griezmann’s documentary.

The French forward’s future was finally decided last week, when he confirmed that he would be staying at Atletico Madrid and not moving to Barcelona, rather bizarrely, in a programme called ‘The Decision’, which was broadcast on Spanish television.

It brought an end to a long-running transfer saga that had seen Griezmann booed by sections of the Wanda Metropolitano crowd when they thought he was set to leave.

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Production company Kosmos, who Pique owns, produced the show and Pique was reportedly directly involved in the idea and early stages of filming.

Although he says he took a backseat as Griezmann closed in on his decision, Barcelona are unhappy that he chose to publicise it via his personal Twitter account and for his involvement – French defender Samuel Umtiti was also criticised by Barca’s vice president Jordi Mestre.

“We respect Griezmann’s decision to renew with Atletico Madrid as we respect the decision of any player,” Mestre explained.

“I feel bad and we regret that our members have been disappointed by the staging of the decision.

“Pique’s participation has generated surprise and bad feeling at the club and among Barcelona supporters.

“We will speak internally with him and with [Barcelona and France team-mate Samuel] Umtiti and we will not make any public statement.”

Pique, however, is surprised by the reaction of Barca and the supporters, saying he did not ‘betray Barca’ and that he was not involved in the Frenchman’s decision.

“I’m surprised by the reaction of the people of Barcelona, who doubt my commitment and love I have for this club,” Pique explained.

“It is very surprising. It’s one of my companies (which produced the video) but the idea is several weeks old.

“I spoke with Griezmann. He told me there was a possibility he would go to Barcelona. I told him we were going to film, that it would be very good content for people to see from the inside how such a decision is made.

“From there I obviously moved away. He called me to tell me that the show would be broadcast in the evening. Finally, he said he was staying. It’s like that: he stays.

“I don’t give any advice. I only put cameras there so that we knew what was happening.

“When I knew things, I told people at the club. There have not been two versions of the end (of the video) recorded.

“I don’t know who said that. It’s a new concept and the novelties are always being debated.

“It’s good that people feel close to the player. Finally, he does not come but other players will come… I did not betray Barca.”