Gerard Pique is reportedly 'suffering' from off-the-field issues, according to Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
Reported audio leaks were released in April of Pique's conversation with Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, which revealed the pair's intention to take the Spanish Supercup to Saudi Arabia.
According to the same audio exchange, the defender had also asked Rubiales to help him play at the Olympic Games in 2020, despite having retired from international football.
Since, the Barcelona star has announced his split from Colombian pop star and long-time partner Shakira.
Laporta admitted Pique was struggling with the headlines and insisted that the 35-year-old was still a 'good person' on Thursday, according to Sport.
'Pique is suffering,' Laporta said. 'For all the money and fame you can have, they [footballers] are people.
'He is a captain and he still has much to give. Gerard is committed.
'He deserves the love of the cules - don't pay attention to the news that's coming out, he is a good person.
'He has chosen to continue being a footballer before a businessman.'
Barcelona took a significant step towards solving the club's financial concerns on Thursday evening.
The board has now been granted permission to sell 49.9% of Barcelona Licensing and Merchandising, which would bring in a minimum of €200 million.
The club would have an option to rebuy their stake at a later date.
A second motion was also passed to allow the club to sell 25% of their television income across the next 25 years.