Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says he will retire from football after his final game at the Nou Camp on Saturday.
It brings to an end an 18-year career in which Pique recorded incredible numbers and won every trophy possible during his time at Barcelona. He made the revelation in a video shared on social media.
Pique’s final La Liga game will be against Almeria for Barca.
What did Pique say in his video?
Pique declared his final match at Camp Nou would be this Saturday’s match against Almeria. He reaffirmed that he would not play for another team, indicating that he was retiring at this time.
He says, “I’ve always claimed there wouldn’t be any other team after Barca, and that’s how it will be.”
“Football has given me everything,” he continued. “I’ve received everything from Barca. My culers [fans] have sacrificed everything for me.”
“And now that all of that kid’s [himself] goals have been realized, I want to let you know that I’ve decided it’s time to stop this adventure.”
He also hinted that he might revisit the renowned Barça stadium, saying: “You know me; I’ll be back eventually. At Camp Nou, I’ll run into you. Barcelona, long live. Always.”
Culers, us he de dir una cosa. pic.twitter.com/k3V919pm1T
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) November 3, 2022
A glance at Pique’s career
At the age of 10, in 1997, the 35-year-old central defender joined Barcelona’s development program, joining a group that would later include Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi.
He next signed on with Manchester United in 2004 and spent four years there, one of which he spent on loan at Real Zaragoza.
Pique returned to Barcelona for just €5m to compete for a spot in the first squad, and he would usher in a new era at Camp Nou.
He participated in both the 2009 and 2015 treble-winning Spanish teams. Pique would also become the first to win the sextuple, or every trophy available in the 2009 calendar year.
Pique immediately established himself as a regular for Spain’s national team. He and Carles Puyol led Spain to the 2010 World Cup victory. Alongside Sergio Ramos, he remained the first choice until his retirement in 2018. The pair won the 2012 Euros as part of La Roja’s historic run in international football.
During his time at Barcelona, he has played more than 600 games and won 30 trophies, including eight La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Rey titles.
Few players have had the success that Gerard Piqué has had in his career:
– 8 La Liga titles
– 1 Premier League
– 4 Champions League
– 7 Copa del Rey
– 1 English League Cup
– 3 Club World Cup
– 3 European Super Cups
– 6 Spanish Super Cup
– 1 EURO
– 1 World CupSerial winner. pic.twitter.com/PtsOhmGdSy
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 3, 2022
Laporta: We respect Pique’s retirement decision
On Thursday night, Gerard Pique unexpectedly announced his retirement on social media.
It seems like it caught Barcelona off guard as well. The club took a bit to respond on social media. While a website article was later posted, it took the club several hours to issue an official comment.
“Pique has accomplished everything with the club and is a part of the Barça badge.”
“He has more than shown what he wants from Barça and will always be a symbol for the culers. He has been connected to the club for 25 years. It has been a privilege to have him represent Barça.”
Laporta hinted that Pique would be honored in some way on Saturday, but he avoided getting specific.
“Even if we are in the thick of competition, Gerard will decide how we go. He has considered a never-easy choice, and we will be available to him to carry out the formalities associated with his departure for Barcelona.”
Pique leaves hint about future Barcelona president bid
When Gerard Pique announced his retirement from football ahead of the World Cup on Thursday night, he stunned the football community.
Early reports state that he will also forfeit the remainder of his pay, which should significantly reduce Barcelona’s financial difficulties.
Pique has long been hailed as a potential future president. And many believed his moving farewell video contained a hint about his possible bid for the role at Barcelona.
Gerard Pique looking at the Presidential balcony at the same time the video cuts to him saying "I'll be back" ? pic.twitter.com/6ipSFACVCT
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 3, 2022
Pique has already expressed his ambition to run for president in 2020, calling it a dream.
“As you know, I am very, very, extremely culé. I want to be able to support the club of my heart in the best way that I am capable of doing. I am prepared to serve as president if I ever feel I can benefit the club.”
We are now saying farewell to a legend who won everything. The man who was very much responsible for the appearance of what is perhaps the best team in the world.
