One of Pique's companies produced the footage which saw Griezmann announce he was snubbing Barca in favour of Atletico Madrid stay
GERARD PIQUE has fired back at critics who claim he “betrayed” Barcelona by producing Antoine Griezmann’s Nou Camp snub video.
Atletico Madrid star Griezmann had been strongly linked with a move to the La Liga champions this summer.
But after months of speculation, the Frenchman released a bizarre video declaring he would be staying at Atleti.
However, it has been Pique bearing the brunt of the disgruntled Catalan public.
The defender’s company helped produce the video, and he has been accused of damaging Barcelona’s prospects for the future.
But Pique insists he did nothing wrong and agreed to help make the video because he thought Griezmann would be joining him at the club.
Pique said: “I’m surprised by the reaction of the people of Barcelona, who doubt my commitment and love I have for this club.
“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. Yesterday morning I was called 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.”
