"Have a little respect for yourself" - Barcelona star Gerard Pique publishes bank statement on Twitter to clarify his salary 

Barcelona star Gerard Pique has hit back at claims that he earns an exorbitant salary by posting a snapshot of his bank account statement on Twitter. A report by Lluis Canut on Onze TV3 named Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets as earning exorbitant salaries at the Catalan club.

However, Gerard Pique hit back on Twitter and even posted a screenshot. In a strongly worded tweet, the Barcelona defender said:

"People like [Canut] charging public television to go on and defend their friends. Here is 50 percent of my [base] pay, as paid on Dec. 30. Have a little respect for yourself."

Barcelona release official statement and hit back at errenous Gerard Pique salary claims

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Barcelona, on their official website, released a statement condemning the incorrect reports on Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets' salary. The official statement said:

In relation to the manifestations of Mr. Lluís Canut carried out yesterday in the program 'Onze' of TV3, FC Barcelona wants to clarify the following:

1. The information on the salaries of certain first team players has not, in any case, been provided by the club and its origin is unknown.

2. In any case, the amounts referred to in the information are erroneous and do not conform to reality. Furthermore, in the case of the first three players referred to [Pique, Busquets and Alba], it gives fixed amounts which, as the sums involved are based on variables, will possibly never be reached.

3. It is false that the aforementioned players have only deferred their salary. Messrs. Piqué, Busquets and Alba gave up part of their salary when they signed the last contract renewal last summer.

We consider it inappropriate, unprofessional, and that [Canut] has acted in bad faith by offering this information as truthful. We regret that data of this type is provided because it infringes the personal rights of the players and deserves, when the information is true, confidentiality."

The official statement confirms that senior players like Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have cut their salaries to help Barcelona financially.

On the pitch, Barcelona are showing some signs of promise under Xavi. The Catalan giants will be hoping to have a good January and break into La Liga's top 4 with some consistent performances.

Barcelona are currently sixth in the La Liga table, a point behind Real Sociedad in fourth. The club's ongoing financial troubles are well known. The club is in massive debt to the tune of €1.35 billion. Having several high earners on their wage bill has not helped their cause either.

Barcelona loaned out Antoine Griezmann back to Atletico Madrid last year and have also sent Philippe Coutinho on loan to Aston Villa in the ongoing transfer window to rein in their salary spend.