Pique backs Murray to lead GB to Davis Cup glory again as Messi could make star appearance in Madrid
GERARD PIQUE believes the Andy Murray X Factor could lead Britain to another famous Davis Cup triumph. And the Barcelona defender has revealed several of his Nou Camp teammates – including skipper Lionel Messi – could be courtside for this week’s revamped event in Madrid. Muzza, 32, has been training in the Spanish capital since […]
GERARD PIQUE believes the Andy Murray X Factor could lead Britain to another famous Davis Cup triumph.
And the Barcelona defender has revealed several of his Nou Camp teammates – including skipper Lionel Messi – could be courtside for this week’s revamped event in Madrid.
Muzza, 32, has been training in the Spanish capital since Thursday in preparation for Britain’s opening group clash with Holland on Wednesday.
It is four years since the former world No1 guided his country to a historic victory over Belgium.
Pique’s Kosmos company are bankrolling the new week-long finals – the most radical redesign in the competition’s 120-year history.
And Pique reckons the return of a fit-again Murray, almost ten months after career-saving hip resurfacing, could prove pivotal.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Pique said: “Andy’s presence means a lot.
“It’s a big statement, a very important message to the world that Andy is playing again in the Davis Cup.
“What he has done this year, after the injury he had, and coming back to win a tournament has been amazing.
“Great Britain have a chance to win the competition since Andy is playing.
“He’s one of the Big Four, he has won so many trophies, he brings the talent and experience. I’m sure it’ll help his team.”
I’ve been in touch with him during this process of changing the format. I know he’s a true believer of the Davis Cup and what this competition means for tennis.
Gerard Pique on Andy Murray
Murray thought his career was over in January when he broke down in tears at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
And Pique, 32, a former Manchester United centre-back, said: “I watched his five-set match in Melbourne and was devastated when he took the microphone and he said (he was retiring).
“I’m very happy for him and his comeback.
“I’ve been in touch with him during this process of changing the format. I know he’s a true believer of the Davis Cup and what this competition means for tennis.
“Last year in Rome, I was meeting with Andy, and other players of the ATP Player Council. I’ve had different messages with him. He gives a lot of importance to Davis Cup.”
The significant change to the format, the scrapping of home-and-away knockout matches, is a huge risk for the ITF following Kosmos’ 25-year £2.6billion investment.
There is also the absurdity of a new team tournament, the ATP Cup, starting less than six weeks later in Australia.
Murray last week expressed concerns the new tournament could lack the same atmosphere of its previous incarnation and tickets sales might be difficult for travelling Brits.
PLENTY OF SUPPORT
Pique, married to Colombian singer Shakira, said: “Britain is the country that bought more tickets apart from Spain. So, he’ll have this atmosphere that he wants.
“One of the key things we want is to preserve is this atmosphere that the Davis Cup always had.
“About 70 per cent of fans in Spain and 30 per cent of fans out of Spain are coming to follow their country.
“Some sessions are already sold out. And the final, semi-finals and quarter-finals are close to sold out.
“We have already nearly 100,000 tickets and 100 per cent full of occupancy is 130,000.
“On Monday I’m sure definitely it will be the start of a magnificent event.”
By quirk of fate in the La Liga calendar, Barcelona will be in Madrid next Saturday when they face Leganes.
Pique is trying to arrange tickets for Barca players to cheer on their fellow countrymen – and will try to persuade Messi to go, too.
He said: “Ivan Rakitic wants to watch Croatia on Monday. Then we have Marc-Andre ter Stegen who wants to see Germany.
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“If we beat Leganes, then maybe some players of my team might want to come here and watch their country play.
“In terms of Leo, we’re talking about it.
“Let’s see when he arrives back from international duty and if we can make it work so he can come to watch Argentina ties.”
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