Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golders

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said he has “more money” himself than the budget of their Catalan rivals Espanyol and claims Zlatan Ibrahimovic loves cash more than anyone in the world.

Pique made the claim in an interview with the #LaResistencia programme broadcast on Spanish TV channel Movistar Plus.

When asked about his bank balance, Pique said: “In wealth, I have more money than Espanyol’s budget this year. It isn’t 57 million EUR, it’s a lot more.”

Pictures Credit: Golders/@3gerardpique & Golders/@LaResistencia

The defender made the claim ahead of the clash between the two sides this weekend.

He then revealed the story about his former Barcelona teammate Ibrahimovic, saying: “He’s the guy who loves money most in the world. He once said: ‘Money isn’t important.’ We were stunned, but then he suddenly said: ‘Lots of money is important.”

Ibrahimov spent one season in Barcelona, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances whilst having a famously poor relationship with then manager Pep Guardiola.

He has since signed huge contracts with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

Pique also revealed that in the Barcelona squad Lionel Messi one of the biggest “trolls”, jokingly adding the Argentine icon has a “messed up” sense of humour.

Barcelona take on city rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou tomorrow (Saturday).