Gerard Pique has leapt to the defence of Barcelona team-mate Xavi in the wake of Arsene Wenger's recent blast.
Xavi incurred the wrath of the Arsenal manager after insinuating that Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas was unhappy with life at the Emirates.
The Spain international has regularly claimed that his fellow midfielder wishes to return to his Catalan roots by securing a switch to Barca.
Such a deal has been touted again this summer, but as yet no agreement has been reached.
Wenger has no plans on parting with his talismanic skipper and is growing tired at having to discuss the issue.
Respect
He is also growing increasingly frustrated at having to respond to comments being made by Barca players.
Pique admits he may be time for the issue to be put to one side, but has signed off by adding his voice to those calling on Arsenal to open transfer talks.
"Barcelona and its players have always spoken with respect," he told Sport.
"Any player would suffer when there is so much talk about his future and when you don't know where you will play next term. It's not disrespectful to say this out loud.
"I know what the situation is like. We should leave Cesc alone and show patience. There's still plenty of time to complete his proposed transfer. It doesn't help to talk about it all the time."
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