Barcelona star Gerard Pique has introduced his retirement from soccer, confirming that his remaining dwelling match for the membership will probably be on Saturday towards Almeria.
He’ll retire after Barcelona’s away recreation subsequent week, earlier than the Spanish league stops for a number of weeks as a result of World Cup.
Pique, who had joined Barcelona’s youth academy in 1997, had initially left the membership in 2004 to hitch Manchester United, however returned to Camp Nou in 2008, the place he has been ever since.
Pique has represented Barcelona in 622 matches, and retires as some of the embellished gamers within the membership’s historical past. The defender has lifted 8 La Liga titles with the membership, and three Champions League titles. As a former Spain participant, he helped his nation win the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. Pique confirmed his retirement on his official Twitter account
“For weeks there was discuss me,” Pique stated in a video posted throughout social media. “I’ve not stated something however I wish to communicate now.
“Like lots of you, coming from a soccer household, I’ve all the time been a Barcelona fan. I didn’t wish to be a footballer, I needed to play for Barca.
“Not too long ago, I’ve thought lots about after I was youthful, about what that Gerard would have thought if I instructed him he would fulfil all his goals, that he would play for Barça and be a European and world champion.
“That he would play with the very best gamers, that he would captain the membership… soccer has given me the whole lot, Barca have given me the whole lot, you the followers have given me the whole lot. And now my childhood goals have been fulfilled, the second has arrived to shut this chapter.
“I’ve all the time stated that after Barcelona there will probably be no different workforce and that’s how will probably be. Saturday will probably be my final recreation at Camp Nou,” Pique stated.