Barcelona’s defender and former Manchester United star Gerard Piqué has announced his sudden retirement today, and will play his last home game for the Catalan giants in Camp Nou this Saturday. Despite many having been expecting this to happen sometime in the near future, Barcelona’s No. 3’s decision and announcement came out of the blue, leaving many stunned and surprised, in which his former Barcelona captain and teammate took to the Internet to give his reaction.
Gràcies per tot, Geri. Estic en shock. S’ha sigut molt injust amb tu, pocs han defensat la samarreta del Barça com tu ho has fet. Sempre podré explicar que vaig jugar al teu costat, un privilegi. T’estimo amic.❤️ pic.twitter.com/MweMaUnaXD
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) November 3, 2022
Ever since moving back to his boyhood club Barcelona from Manchester United in 2008, Piqué has been able to enjoy huge successes with the Catalan giants, winning 30 domestic and international team trophies, including eight Spanish LA Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups. He was also part of the Spain squad that bagged the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 UEFA European Championship crowns.
Nevertheless, the recent years have not been kind to the legendary defender, largely due to the decline of Barcelona and many individual and team financial turmoil. In addition to his retirement from international duties after the 2018 FIFA World Cup where Spain bowed out from the tournament after losing out on penalties against the host nation, the Spaniard has also been plagued by love life issues that saw him go different ways with former lover, Colombian star singer Shakira.
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“I’ve always said that there would not be any other team after Barca and that’s how it will be. Football has given me everything. Barca has given me everything. You, the culers [fans], have given me everything And now that all of my dreams have come true I want to tell you I have decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end.”
In an emotional video posted on his social media channel, Piqué expressed his love towards Barcelona since he was a kid and his dream to play for the Catalan giant being realised will always be one of his biggest achievements in life. He would not have chosen any other places to end his football career and despite his retirement, his support for Barcelona does not fade and will be passed to his children as well, just as what his family did to him. The Spaniard has reportedly forgo the rest of his salary after taking a pay cut last season to help his club register players.
Throughout his career in England, Spain and the international team, Piqué was deployed mostly as a centre back who possessed both strength and tackling capabilities as well as decent passing skills and technical abilities. With a huge height and physical qualities, he was extremely good in the air and formed a formidable partnership with the more physical Carles Puyol at the central defensive area. His retirement would be a huge loss to the football world.
(Photo Credits: Goal)
