Gerard Pique played his last game for Barcelona last night against Almeria, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Blaugranas at Camp Nou. The La Masia academy graduate played for his boyhood club 616 times, and has now called the curtains on his illustrious career.
He had a contract with Barcelona until 2024, but decided to terminate it immediately amidst strong criticisms of his performance. The decision was revealed via social media, with the centre-back posting a video to inform the world of his decision.
Gerard Pique refused Barcelona farewell ceremony
The club had offered Gerard Pique the opportunity to announce his decision at a press conference. However, he refused and announced his retirement on his own.
With the rest of the contract refuted, he has saved the club £44 million, which should help with their current difficulties managing the wage bill. Barcelona do plan on paying him his deferred wages at some point.
Pique did say that he would be back at Barcelona someday, and it could be in the form of its president at some point since he intends to run for the post at some point in the future.
At the end of the season, we could see Barcelona bid goodbye to another club legend in Sergio Busquets. The defensive midfielder’s contract runs out at the end of the season, and he is expected to leave the club for a new challenge.