Barcelona star Gerard Pique: ‘I’m not sorry. I want Real Madrid to lose, always.’

The Spanish national team has a history of Barcelona and Real Madrid cliques that lead to a lack of chemistry, even if they managed to fight through it to win major honors. But the Spanish FA are a bit concerned about this edition of the feud, with La Roja looking a bit less dominant than the team that went to Euro 2012.

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos claimed that he’s never disparaged other clubs, but there’s video of him saying “now let the [Atletico Madrid fans] know who runs the city of Madrid” at the Copa del Rey parade in 2014.

Ramos’ defensive partner for Spain, Gerard Pique, had a different view. He was booed by Madridistas during Spain’s last match, and he doesn’t seem to care.

Here are ratings for the top 50 players in FIFA 16, plus five-star skill players. (EA)

Thibaut Courtois has reportedly suffered a knee injury, severity unknown. (We Ain’t Got No History)

Daniel Sturridge is back in full training. (Telegraph)

Louis van Gaal not-so-subtly hinted that Ryan Giggs is his successor at Manchester United. (Mirror)

For the first time, the English FA is charging a player who faked an injury under a new rule. He could face a three-game suspension. (BBC)

Wayne Rooney admits Harry Kane makes him fear for his England place. (Guardian)

Real Madrid say Cristiano Ronaldo will cost anyone who wants to buy him €1 billion. (ESPN FC)

Dortmund’s Erik Durm is out for six weeks. (Bundesliga)

Julian Draxler went to Wolfsburg because he didn’t feel ready to move abroad. (Football Italia)

Michael Caley on the Premier League’s wage gap and the very direct correlation between wages and success. (ESPN FC)

Jonathan Harding on Berlin’s search for football identity. (DW)

Tusdiq Din on Premier League clubs making progress on inclusiveness with prayer rooms. (Guardian)

You can find highlights from the day’s MLS games here. (MLS)

There’s nothing of real consequence happening on Thursday. Real, actual good club soccer returns on Friday.