'Incredible career' Barcelona legend Gerard Pique announces retirement from football

Legendry footballer Gerard Pique on Friday suddenly announced his decision to retire from professional football. The 35-year-old will play his last game for Barcelona against Almeria at Camp Nou on Saturday.

The Spanish footballer announced his decision in a video that he posted on his Twitter account in which he said, 'football has given me everything, Barcelona has given me everything' he also thanked the Culers, the Barcelona fans for constant support. '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', he added.

The Barcelona-born star who announced his retirement from international football in 2018 has won 3 Champions League trophies, 8 La Liga titles and a world title. He represented Spain from 2009 to 2018 where he scored 5 goals from 102 matches. He has been a part of Barcelona since his initial days except from 2004 to 2008 when he joined Manchester United and also played for Real Zagaroza during that span.

For Gerard Pique who has not had the best of the season and has spent most of the 2022 on the bench, November 6 game at Camp Nou will be his final. Earlier, he had said that he would rather retire than be a substitute for the whole season, seems like the Spanish ace is here to keep his word.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was shocked after he got to know about Pique's retirement during a press conference, he said, 'I do not know what to say. (Gerard Pique had) just (an) incredible career, (he is an) incredible character. I think he gave so much to this game and, if he has made that decision, I am sure that he has thought a lot about it. So he will be missed because I think he was a top, world-class playe'

Barcelona president Laporte too thanked Pique for his service to the club and said, '14 years in the first-team, but I first saw Gerard Pique 25 years ago, since he was first connected to Barca, aside from the success he has had because he has achieved everything as a Barca player, he forms a part of the Barca crest, he is one of those players who will always be a reference for all the 'culers''

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