I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

The clashes between the two clubs are not new, especially when it’s between rival clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. The trouble lies in the quote from Pique cited by Marca: "Little Spanish guys, we will win your league, and soon we’ll win your King’s Cup too."

The news caused an uproar in all of Spain upon release.

Pique is a key figure for the Spain National Team’s World Cup victory and an idol for countless Spanish football fans. But this quote unmistakably shows his stance as a Catalan, drawing a line with Spain, targeting even his national team teammates.

Thus, a seemingly simple football issue has been elevated to a different level.

Facing widespread criticism, Pique quickly responded on his Twitter, clarifying: "Everything said about me by certain media is a lie!" He also added, "I hope we can all enjoy this feast of Spanish football," seemingly trying to convince people he hasn’t denied his "Spanish" identity.

However, such a statement was quickly drowned in a flood of distrust, barely causing a ripple.

Madrid people don’t trust Pique, primarily due to his "record."

It’s well known that Barcelona has always been the symbol of the Catalonia independence movement, a sign of confrontation with Spain’s orthodox regime.

And Pique, who comes from a prestigious Catalan family, is naturally more radical on this issue.

Regarding Real Madrid, he has always been "as ruthless as the autumn wind sweeping down the leaves." In the national derby held at Camp Nou two seasons ago, it was Pique who invented the gesture of raising his hand with five fingers spread wide, a slap right to the hearts of Real Madrid people.

Now, the conflict between Madrid people and him has deepened even further.

So, just before the national derby kick-off in this much-anticipated King’s Cup match, countless Real Madrid fans deliberately held high the Spanish flag and sang "Long live Spain," humming the wordless national anthem with such grandeur, even overshadowing boos from the Barcelona stands.

And every time Pique played the ball during the match, the fans greeted him with fierce boos.

The Barcelona defender had to face deep hostility from 20,000 people alone. Of course, the worst part is—they lost.

The Barcelona, who lost the match, had to watch Real Madrid celebrate wildly on the field.

And the unfortunate Pique became the target of criticism. Real Madrid fans wouldn’t let go of this best opportunity for revenge against their deep-seated hatred.

"Pique, you jerk, bow to the champions," came the shout from the stands, which then converged into unified chants, lasting continuously.

After fiercely mocking the Barcelona defender, the fans deliberately switched to singing "I am Spanish, Spanish."

But this typically familiar song for the Spain National Team sounded indescribable to Pique’s ears at this moment.

Guardiola came over to hug and comfort Pique, while his girlfriend Shakira tenderly embraced him from the stands, trying to uplift her boyfriend, but a smile couldn’t reappear on this cheerful Catalan youth’s face.

The slap once given to the Whites echoed back loudly on the Barcelona defender’s own face at this moment, and after the match, he still had to face the media’s questioning and bombardment: "I never said those words. They didn’t come from me."

"The atmosphere in the locker room after the match was heated. But I couldn’t have possibly said those arrogant words." He repeatedly emphasized.

Meanwhile, Casillas’s words continued to cloud the issue: "Pique knows what he said. Although I didn’t hear it, my teammates did." Despite Iker finally suggesting to let it go: "Let’s end this here," for Pique, ending this is not that simple.

Upon leaving Mestalla, Pique once again chose Twitter as his sounding board: "I want to congratulate Madrid; they are a team worthy of respect."

Perhaps Madrid people secretly took joy in it for a while—finally, the most proud Catalan bowed his noble head before them.

However, there are also reports that Pique and Barcelona Club might sue Marca, the publication of the original news, for it. After all, under current circumstances, if that was really just a poor joke, it’s no longer something they can just laugh off.

Before their two-leg match against Barcelona, Real Madrid still needs to play a league match against Valencia.

Mourinho declared at the press conference before Real Madrid’s match against Valencia that despite Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by 8 points, the match remains important.

When asked if Real Madrid’s victory over Barcelona in the King’s Cup marks the end of Barcelona’s dominance in World Football, Mourinho replied: "Barcelona is not European champion now."

Real Madrid’s coach continued: "We’ve not ended anyone’s dominance. The opponents we’ve defeated have recently won many honors and will continue to secure many championship titles in the future, but they are not European champions now. Just the opposite, we are Spanish champions and King’s Cup champions. Certainly, losing one final doesn’t mean a team’s gonna fall. At least I personally look for balance between victory and defeat."

Upon reflecting on Real Madrid’s good performance in the King’s Cup, Mourinho stated: "We eliminated a team we’ve rarely beaten in recent times while advancing to the final, then eliminated the King’s Cup dark horse Levante, and subsequently eliminated two teams that reached last season’s King’s Cup final. The journey and the embrace from the chairman after winning the championship is unforgettable to me."

German midfielder Khedira was injured during training shortly after the King’s Cup final and will miss Real Madrid’s match against Valencia.

Mourinho indicated: "This is bad news. We are saddened because he’s a very important player. But the rumors that his season is over are ridiculous."

Mourinho said that Parejo might replace Khedira, but "Granero is also possible."

Regarding the opponent Valencia, Mourinho clearly stated: "They are a well-organized team with strong player capabilities. We face some difficulties in this match, but we still need to strive for victory. As for next Wednesday’s Champions League, we have time to consider it."

At the end of the interview, Mourinho reiterated his determination to stay at Real Madrid next season: "I feel more and more calm, like things are going well. Over in Italy, they say next season I’ll return to Inter; that’s a false statement. I’m very relaxed now; this kind of calmness is not what you like; you of Madrid’s media prefer the noise when things aren’t good with the team. But I will still be at Real Madrid next season because my team’s second season is always better than the first one. I believe Real Madrid will certainly be better next season than this one."

Someone asked, what if Real Madrid wins the Triple Crown this season?

Mourinho raised his brows and looked at the reporter, smiling, saying: "That is indeed possible. We have top players like Chen, the team is united around him, and our form is very good. In fact, we’re only one championship away, the Champions League title. Chen’s Champions League results have always improved compared to previous performances; he’s even won the UEFA Europa League championship, so..."

"Maybe it’s time!"