This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Jérémy Mathieu, former player of Barcelona, Valencia, and Sporting, revealed in an interview with Be IN Sports details about his life after retirement and recalled his time at the Catalan club, including a peculiar relationship with Gerard Piqué. Now 42 years old and retired from football since 2020, Mathieu admitted he is going through a tough phase, working as an employee in a sports store. The ex-footballer confessed to having suffered from depression and going through difficult months, explaining that his current job is related to an ongoing legal process. "I can't talk about it. If I'm at Intersport, it's because something is happening that has caused me quite a few problems. I can only say that I'm in court. I won't do this forever. I was supposed to have a social life," Mathieu stated. Reflecting on his time at Barcelona, the Frenchman highlighted the role of some figures in his integration. "Iniesta and Xavi try to put you next to them directly and integrate you into the group," he said. However, his closest bond was with another teammate: "Jordi Alba was the player I got along with best because we played together at Valencia. He talked a bit more with me. And then it was my turn to go to the others, to integrate myself." His relationship with Gerard Piqué, on the other hand, had a rocky start. "At first, it was difficult because I noticed he was a bit reluctant towards me. After several games, we developed a little feeling and everything improved," he explained. Mathieu also shared a bizarre incident with the former center-back. "He played a prank on me in the locker room, he put a stink bomb on me, I didn't know if he liked me or not. I had the feeling that he was distant," he concluded.
Sporting Barcelona remains central to this story.
Sporting Barcelona remains central to this story.
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