One of Barcelona‘s most distinguished defenders, Gerard Pique, has announced his retirement. The defender’s personal life has been at the center of controversy over the past few months. Amidst all this, his poor performances on the pitch, and Barcelona’s financial situation, Pique has announced his retirement.
Culers, us he de dir una cosa. pic.twitter.com/k3V919pm1T
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) November 3, 2022
His contribution to the club of his dreams has not been forgotten by Barcelona fans. Pique has vowed to return to Barcelona in some form or the other. But he says that he will be an ordinary fan until then, supporting the club from the sidelines. Pique would terminate his contract with Barcelona next week, giving up about $30 million in wages.
Fans blame Shakira for Gerard Pique’s Retirement
Fans gave Barcelona’s deal with Spotify as a reason for Pique’s decision.
Homie just dodging the Shakira kits 😂 hate to see it.
— kevin (@kevolives) November 3, 2022
It is not hard to see how distinguished a career Pique has had.
1x World Cup
3X Fifa Club World Cup
4x UCL
8x La Luga
7x Copa Del Rey
6x Copa De Espana
1x Euros
3x UEFA SupercupHe may not be good now but Pique at his prime was one of the best defenders ever in recent times.
Legend🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸. pic.twitter.com/VL4DaIT3iQ
— Futuristic TLXF (@tomiwa_giwa) November 3, 2022
Barcelona fans lamented their dreadful financial situation.
Nah, this club a joke at this point bruh.
Convincing players to retire because of their financial issues😭
— Name Cannot Be Blank (@Cape_F_Storms) November 4, 2022
Fans were emotional after Pique’s retirement video.
idk man i started hating Pique but that video made me emotional
— Rome (@redcloudscloak) November 3, 2022
On the other hand, some fans were happy the defender had left the club.
HAHHAHAHAHAH PIQUE RETIRED IM SO HAPPY
— sᴀsʜᴀ (@realmcf_) August 11, 2018
His poor recent performances do warrant some criticism, but he had been an integral part of the club’s success for around a decade.
Footballers react to Pique’s announcement
Pique has played with many big names in the game. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are two of a large number of superstars Pique has played alongside. Even his opponents have applauded the defender’s career.
Always a tough opponent and a great sportsman. A champion and a legend of our game. Thank you @3gerardpique 🤝💪🏻 #GerardWay #GerardPique #allthebest https://t.co/xY2Wn7hN8o
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) November 4, 2022
Pique’s former manager Pep Guardiola commended his fitness levels and commitment to the club. He said Pique is a big game player, and that big clubs require such players for success.
🗣 Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Gerard Piqué after he announced his retirement from football
“All the big clubs need this type of player. It was an honour for me to be his manager.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IMnO0WV4T2
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 4, 2022
Arguably his biggest rival and one of the best center-backs of the past decade also congratulated Pique on his career.
Sergio Ramos: “Geri… You have lived many experiences, crack. Enjoy life!” pic.twitter.com/Q2gKGeo0KQ
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 3, 2022
His former captain Carles Puyol thanked Pique for his years of commitment to Barcelona.
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Pique’s retirement at just 35 has been a huge shock to the footballing world. While Barcelona fans are relieved he is leaving the club, for both financial and footballing reasons, he has been a faithful servant to the club. He joined Barcelona all the way back in 2008 and is leaving after 14 years.
Club president Joan Laporta all but confirmed the major reason for Pique’s departure was financial troubles. “Gerard Piqué will always be a symbol of Barcelona. We’re in the process of a financial agreement to terminate the contract he wants to help the club. He understands our financial situation.”
He also confirmed Pique would be terminating his contract.