Alba: I hope Pique's comment about Neymar isn't a joke

Posted Tuesday, July 25, 2017 by Marca.com

Although he doubts some of the information that points to a possible signing of Neymar by Paris Saint-Germain, Jordi Alba was treating Gerard Pique's social media message with caution.

Clearly, the entire Barcelona squad want the Brazilian to stay, and if the centre-back's picture with associated comment was intended as a joke, it's in very poor taste.

"He's a Barcelona player until he says otherwise," Alba said to reporters on Monday.
"Neymar is very calm, he's talking a lot about this subject but in the dressing room there's peace of mind.

"He's very happy here but we are talking about one of the best players in the world so it's normal that there is all this fuss."

The left-back hasn't had the chance to talk to Pique since his post, which has already gone viral.

"I have not talked to him about this subject," he continued.

"I don't think it's a joke, I hope not."

When it comes to convincing Neymar to stay at the club, Alba believes that there is no need.

"I do not have to convince anyone of anything," he said.

"Barcelona is the best club in the world and I am at home with my 'family.

'"Every player has his opinion so whatever Neymar does, we have to respect him.

"We hope to have him for many years here but everyone makes their decisions and I can't get involved in that."

It's still early days with Ernesto Valverde but he would appear to have been a wise choice.

"There is total confidence in the coach," Alba noted.

"He is doing a good job, he is a calm man with clear ideas.