Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has announced his retirement from football with his final game being this weekend against Almeria. The 35-year-old made the announcement via video message on his social media accounts. With his childhood team Barcelona, he has won La Liga eight times and the Champions League three times. Pique, who played for Spain 102 times and helped them win the World Cup in 2010, has been a bit of a background player for Barcelona this season, making just five starts.
“Football has given me everything. I’ve received everything from Barcelona. You have given me everything, Barcelona fans. I want to let you know that I’ve decided it’s time to terminate our trip now that [this] child’s hopes have been fulfilled,” Gerard Pique, a defender for Barcelona, said. “I’ve always said that there won’t be any other teams after Barcelona. This coming Saturday will be my last game at Camp Nou. I’ll continue to support you. I’ll be there to support the team. My passion for Barcelona will be passed along to my children. And you know me; sooner or later, I’ll be back.”
After Pique opted to end his playing career, Barcelona referred to him as a “member since birth” because his grandpa was a member of the club’s board and was born in the city. After moving to Old Trafford as a 17-year-old, he graduated from the famed La Masia academy but didn’t make his United debut until 2004. Pique only made 23 appearances during his four years as a player for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, when he won the Champions League, Premier League, and League Cup.
Pique was coached by Pep Guardiola, who had recently been hired, when he eventually returned to Barcelona. Pique developed become a key player for the side he supports under the direction of the former Barca star, helping them to win three La Liga championships, two Copa del Rey championships, two Champions League victories, two European Super Cup victories, and two Club World Cup victories.
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