Gerard Pique has been a key player for Barcelona since signing up for the club in 2008, after a failed stint with Manchester United.

The Barcelona legend has seen reduced game time this season, as he’s currently Xavi’s fifth choice centre-back following the summer acquisitions.

Pique made 40 appearances in all competitions last season. However, the 35-year-old defender is yet to feature in the La Liga this season, and only played 45 minutes as a substitute in the Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday night.

Nevertheless, Xavi has insisted that he still relies on Gerard Pique and was pleased with his performance against Plzen.

Xavi was asked about Pique ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Cadiz and he admitted that “the current situation is not easy” for his former teammate.

“I spoke with Gerard Pique. The current situation is not easy for him, but he played well against Viktoria Plzen and put in a great run. I rely on him,” Xavi told reporters.

Pique has made 607 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, and has scored 53 goals and 15 assists.