Gerard Piqué has posted a cryptic message on Twitter which appears to suggest his Barcelona team-mate Neymar has decided to stay at Camp Nou. The defender posted a picture of himself with the Brazilian forward on Sunday night, along with the simple message “Se queda”, which translates as “He stays”.

Neymar’s future has come under increasing speculation this summer amid reports that Paris Saint-Germain had agreed to activate his release clause of almost £200m. Contradictory reports in the French and Spanish press had suggested both that the deal is done and that the Brazilian has decided to stay at Barcelona.

But Piqué’s intervention is the clearest suggestion yet that the striker – reportedly offered £500,000 per week in Paris – may have called off the world record move. Piqué is a hugely respected figure within the Barcelona dressing room and has made no secret of his desire to run for president of the club once his playing days are over.