Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has risked the wrath of Shakira by claiming that playing against Espanyol is better than sex.
While many would consider El Clasico against Real Madrid to be Barca's biggest rivalry, their derby fixtures against Catalan neighbours Espanyol are also fierce contests.
Espanyol's relegation from La Liga in 2020 meant that last season there was no Barcelona derby for the first time in 27 years, but the rivalry has been rekindled after they achieved promotion at the first time of asking.
Barcelona won 1-0 against Los Periquitos at the Nou Camp in November before drawing 2-2 at Estadi Cornella-El Prat in February, with Pique being sent off for a second yellow card in the 92nd minute.
'I'm happy that Espanyol has been promoted to the first division because that's how we play in their stadium,' Pique said in an interview with YouTuber Jordi Wild.
'I like to go there, I get whistled at all the time. You laugh and the fans get even madder.
'There is nothing comparable in the world. I would say it's better than sex. I enjoy it a lot more than playing against Real Madrid.'
Pique has scored more goals against Espanyol (six) than he has against any other club in his career.
It would certainly be interesting to see what his long-time partner Shakira makes of his comments.
Pique has been in a relationship with the Colombian singer since 2011, with the pair having met while filming the music video for her World Cup song Waka Waka the previous year. They have two sons together.
After the 35-year-old made his 600th appearance for Barcelona last month, Shakira marked the landmark with a heartfelt post on social media.
'You are made of a material that only God knows and for me you are the best example of struggle, perseverance and sincerity for our children,' she said.
'These years with you I have realized that you came to this world to change paradigms. You have so much left to give us, in football and in so many other aspects of your extraordinary life.
'Because there is not, nor will there be another Gerard Pique. An exceptional human being.'