Gerard Pique berates Real Madrid (again) so Sergio Ramos responds in jest

Pique, who lined up alongside Ramos for Spain in two victories over Israel and France this past week, questioned Real’s “values” when he was bizarrely asked if he would ever work for the club.

"I don't like the values Real Madrid transmit, although there are players there I really appreciate with and am friends with," Pique said, as quoted by ESPN FC.

"What I don't like about Real Madrid is how those in the box seats pull the strings. The person who accused Messi and Neymar and who has a different treatment for Cristiano [Ronaldo] is in those box seats. I don't know the name of the judge.”

The Barcelona centre-back is believed to be referring to Marta Silva, who indicted Lionel Messi for tax fraud before leaving her role as attorney general while an investigation into Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiscal affairs was taking place.

Silva was pictured in the Real directors’ box back in January behind president Florentino Perez.

“We aren't going to keep a [grievance] list like [Jose] Mourinho does,” Pique added, referring to the list ex-Real boss Jose Mourinho brandished when highlighting refereeing mistakes made against the Madrid club.

Pique did add however that his relationship with Ramos is “very good”, saying there is a mutual respect between the duo despite their opposition at club level.

In turn, Ramos responded in jest when asked about Spain’s 2-0 friendly victory over France which was aided by the introduction of video refereeing.

“We got the decisions because we were playing in white,” joked Ramos, who did go on to defend Real after Pique’s “values” jibe.

“Whatever he says it does not change the values, the history and the trophies [of Real Madrid].

“Barcelona are not really in a position to talk [about values] especially this year.”

The second Clasico of the season takes place at the Bernabeu on April 23…