Gerard Pique has told Spain head coach, Vicente del Bosque, that his teammate Cesc Fabregas will be leaving FC Barcelona for €33m (R 483 million).
Pique and Del Bosque were caught on camera talking about Fabregas ahead of a scheduled news conference on Wednesday evening.
The microphones picked up the exchange in which Pique confirmed Fabregas will be leaving Camp Nou.
Pique told his coach he was going “to defend Cesc a bit.”
Del Bosque laughed before the defender added: “He’s told me it’s already done.”
When asked by his manager, “Him?” Pique responded: Yeah, he’s gone… 33 million, he’s told me.”
However, Pique is well-known to be the joker in the Spain squad and he could be seen smiling throughout the conversation with his coach. There remains the possibility it was a deliberate attempt in leading media astray.
Later, in the actual press conference, Pique said: "I really like Cesc, I know he’s going through a tough time, because the club don’t appreciate him as much as they should.
“He's one of those players who'd be first-choice at any other club in the world, the star of the team. Despite that, he's finding it harder at Barça.
"I hope he stays, because if you look at his stats this season, he's our highest-scoring midfielder and the one with the most assists. Of course I want him to stay with us.”
Fabregas is linked with a move to Chelsea or Manchester United, with his former club Arsenal also in the rumour mill.
Do you think this conversation was a stunt or has Cesc Fabregas’ future already been decided? Have your say in the comment section below.