Gerard Pique: Barcelona defender announces retirement from football

Gerard Pique has announced his retirement from professional football and says his final game will be Barcelona’s match against Almeria at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

The 35-year-old, a three-time Champions League and eight-time La Liga winner with boyhood club Barcelona, revealed the news in a video message posted on his social media.

“Football has given me everything,” he said. “Barcelona has given me everything. You, culers (Barcelona fans), have given me everything.

“And 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.”

Pique, who won 102 caps for Spain and helped them to victory in the 2010 World Cup, has become a peripheral figure for Barcelona this season, making only five starts.

This Saturday’s game will be my last at Camp Nou,” he said. “I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barcelona to my children.

“And you know me - sooner or later, I’ll be back.”

Gerard Pique’s major trophies English League Cup - 2006 Premier League - 2008 Champions League - 2008 (Man Utd), 2009, 2011, 2015 (Barcelona) La Liga - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 Copa del Rey - 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 European Super Cup - 2009, 2011, 2015 Club World Cup - 2009, 2011, 2015 World Cup - 2010 European Championship - 2012