We knew it at the end of the race, but the announcement remains unexpected to say the least. Gérard Pique announced his retirement on Thursday at the age of 35. The Spanish defender, a major figure in FC Barcelona for 15 years, will play the last match of his immense career this weekend, against Almeria. “Since I was little I didn’t want to be a footballer, I wanted to be a Barça player. Now that this boy’s dreams have come true, it’s time to close that circle. I’ve always said that after Barca there won’t be another team and that’s how it will be. This Saturday will be my last game at Camp Nou, ”he explained in a video posted on his Twitter account at the end of the day.
The Catalan has won everything a footballer can hope to win, both at club and national level. Triple winner of the Champions League, crowned champion of Spain eight times (we’ll spare you the Club World Cups and the European Supercups), he was part of the arch-dominant Spanish team at the turn of the century. 2010s, world champion and European champion in the space of two years.
He will play a 622nd and last match in Blaugrana colors on Saturday evening, at his home at Camp Nou. He could then devote himself to his career as a businessman, or even a politician. With the Catalan jack of all trades – for better or for worse – we wouldn’t be surprised at anything. “I’m going to become one more fan, and I’m going to support the team and I’ll pass on my love for Barca to my son,” he said of his immediate aspirations. And sooner or later, I’ll be back. »