The departure of Lionel Messi from Barcelona over the recent summer transfer window was one that sent shock waves throughout the world of football.

While all signs pointed towards Messi re-signing with Barca, he was not able to do so in the end due to financial complications within the club. In the end, the now seven-time Ballon d’Or winner opted to join Paris Saint-Germain, where he is currently aiming to help the side win the UEFA Champions League competition this season.

Overall, this sudden move was one that sure caught Pique by surprise. In speaking to the Spanish-based program “El Hormiguero,” Pique took a look back on his first reaction to the Argentine's move away from Barca last August.

“It was a very hard day, we played together since we were 14 years old,” Pique said. “He’s almost like a brother. It was on a personal level. This year things have not started well because we have lost the best in history.”

Barca recently began a new era as it appointed Xavi Hernandez to become its new manager. Pique aspires to do what he can to help his former Barca teammate jump-start his managerial tenure with the Catalan club on the right track.

“It puts added pressure on me to have Xavi as a coach, you don't want to let him down,” Pique said. “Morally, I have to give him my best and if my performance is not the best, I feel like I'm failing him.”

Barcelona will return to La Liga play with the upcoming home fixture against Real Betis.