Abidal: Pique's comments should be taken as a joke

Eric Abidal took advantage of his presence on TV3 to speak about the row between Gerard Pique and Alvaro Arbeloa. 

Pique referred to the Real Madrid defender as a "cone" and someone he doesn't consider a friend after Barcelona's draw with Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. 

"I don't know what he said, but everything that comes from Pique is a joke," Abidal said. 

"It should be taken in that manner."

He added: "I know him presonally and I have a lot of respect for Pique, but people just want to talk and don't want to see." 

On Barça's season, Abidal said: "I'm always optimistic. The season is long. 

"I'm not worried because they have a lot of talent, I don't doubt them, nor will I ever doubt them. I hope they win La Liga."