Gerard Pique: Barcelona defender announces retirement from football
Gerard Pique has announced he will retire after Barcelona's La Liga game against Almeria on Saturday; 35-year-old won the World Cup and European Championship with Spain; "I've always said that there would not be any other team after Barca - and that's how it will be"
Friday 4 November 2022 13:05, UK
Gerard Pique has announced his retirement from professional football and says his final game will be Barcelona's match against Almeria at the Nou Camp on Saturday.
The 35-year-old, a three-time Champions League and eight-time La Liga winner with boyhood club Barcelona, revealed the news in a video message posted on his social media.
"Football has given me everything," he said. "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."
Pique, who won 102 caps for Spain and helped them to victory in the 2010 World Cup, has become a peripheral figure for Barcelona this season, making only five starts.
However, the former Manchester United defender wants his boyhood club to be his last, saying: "I've always said that there would not be any other team after Barca and that's how it will be."
Pique finished his statement by hinting at a future return to the club in a non-playing capacity.
"This Saturday's game will be my last at Camp Nou," he said. "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: Honour to have managed Pique
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who won two Champions Leagues with Pique during his time as Barcelona manager, paid a heartfelt tribute to the retiring defender.
"He had an incredible career in Barcelona," Guardiola said. "I wish him personally all the best, for him and his family. I know his mum and dad. He's an incredible human being, huge personality.
"A player for the big games, someone who never missed one or didn't perform to the high levels. In the top, top teams, all the clubs need this type of player.
"He won everything, with Barcelona and the Spanish national team. The time [to retire] arrives for everyone but his future will be bright because he's a smart guy.
"It was an honour for me to be his manager, we spent an incredible four years together."
'A Barca member since birth'
Following his decision to bring his playing career to an end, Barcelona described Pique - who was born in the city and whose grandfather was on the club's board - as a "member since birth".
He came through the famed La Masia academy but made his debut for United in 2004 after moving to Old Trafford as a 17-year-old earlier that year.
Pique won the League Cup, Premier League and Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson but made only 23 appearances during his four-year spell in England and eventually returned to Barcelona under the newly-appointed Pep Guardiola.
Under the former Barca midfielder, Pique became a key player for the club he supports, helping them to three La Liga titles and two Copa del Reys, plus two Champions League titles, two European Super Cup wins and victory in two Club World Cups.
Pique remained a vital member of the Barcelona side following Guardiola's exit, winning another 13 major trophies in the 11 years since the manager left the club.
The 35-year-old was also central to Spain's success and played every minute of the 2010 World Cup final win over the Netherlands and the 2012 Euros victory against Italy, before ending his international career after the 2018 World Cup.
