Gerard Pique stated in a statement that the encounter between Barcelona and Almeria at the Nou Camp on Saturday would be his final game playing in the league.
Pique Announces His Retirement
The 35-year-old with his childhood club Barcelona, a three-time Champions League, and eight-time La Liga champion, shared the good news in a video message on his social media.
He said: “Football has given me everything. Barcelona has given me everything. You, culers (Barcelona fans), have given me everything. And now that [this] kid’s dreams have come true; I want to tell you that I’ve decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end.”
Gerard Pique, who earned 102 caps for Spain and contributed to their World Cup success in 2010, has faded into the background for Barcelona this year, making only five starts. The former Manchester United defender, though, declared that he would leave his childhood team. He said: “I’ve always said that there would not be any other team after Barca and that’s how it will be.”
Pique hinted at a potential future return to the team in a non-playing capacity as he concluded his remarks. He said: “This Saturday’s game will be my last at Camp Nou. I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barcelona to my children. And you know me – sooner or later, I’ll be back.”
Pep Guardiola and Gerard Pique
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City and a two-time Champions League champion with Barcelona’s Gerard Pique, paid a moving homage to the departing defender.
Guardiola said that Pique excelled during his time in Barcelona. He personally sends him best wishes for him and his family. He is aware of his parents. He is a wonderful individual with a strong personality. Someone who participated in important games never missed one or didn’t perform at a high level. All the clubs need this kind of player to compete with the best teams.
He also added that with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, Gerard Pique won everything. Everyone’s retirement age comes, but he’ll have a great future because he’s a brilliant guy. Being his manager for the fantastic four years they had together was an honor for him.
About His Achievement with Barca
Barcelona referred to Gerard Pique, whose grandfather served on the club’s board and was born in the city, as a “member since birth” after he decided to terminate his playing career. He graduated from the renowned La Masia academy, but he didn’t make his United debut until 2004 after going to Old Trafford as a 17-year-old.
Pique competed for four years in England and won the League Cup, Premier League, and Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson, although he only made 23 appearances. He eventually returned to Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, who had just been hired.
Gerard Pique developed into a major member of the team he supports under the former Barca midfielder, helping them to three La Liga championships, two Copa del Rey victories, two Champions League triumphs, two European Super Cup triumphs, and two Club World Cup triumphs.
Following Guardiola’s departure, Pique continued to play an important role for Barcelona, helping the team to another 13 major championships in the 11 years that have passed since the manager’s departure. The 35-year-old played every minute of Spain’s victories over Italy in the 2012 Euros and the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final before calling it quits on his international career after the 2018 World Cup.
Gerard Pique’s major trophies
- English League Cup – 2006
- Premier League – 2008
- Champions League – 2008 (Man Utd), 2009, 2011, 2015 (Barcelona)
- La Liga – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
- Copa del Rey – 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021
- European Super Cup – 2009, 2011, 2015
- Club World Cup – 2009, 2011, 2015
- World Cup – 2010
- European Championship – 2012
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