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Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has shocked the soccer world this night by asserting that he intends to retire, not on the finish of the present season however halfway by way of the present marketing campaign when the Spanish league breaks for the World Cup later this month.
Pique revealed that Barca’s upcoming sport towards Almeria this Saturday might be his final on the Camp Nou and that the journey to Osasuna three days later might be each his last match for the Catalan membership and the ultimate match of his skilled profession.
The 35-year-old centre-back has made 615 appearances for Barca throughout his lengthy and distinguished profession, having change into one of the adorned footballers in historical past through the course of. He received eight LaLiga titles, seven Copa Del Reys and three Champions Leagues alongside the best way.
“I’ve all the time stated that there wouldn’t be some other crew after Barca and that is how it is going to be,” he stated in an emotional video message posted on-line. “Soccer has given me all the things. Barca has given me all the things. You, the culers [fans], have given me all the things.”
Gerard Piqué has introduced he’s leaving FC Barcelona.
His last match for the membership might be this Saturday on the Camp Nou. pic.twitter.com/Qe41p9ixLA
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 3, 2022
“And now that each one of my desires have come true I wish to let you know I’ve determined that now could be the time to carry this journey to its finish.”
Pique’s announcement seemingly got here out of the blue — or the blaugrana, to be extra particular — with social media reacting rapidly to the startling information, although it was Barcelona themselves who had been the primary to want him nicely and categorical their gratitude for his years of trustworthy service.
A lifetime devoted to Barça. Thanks, Piqué. pic.twitter.com/ps3wI0RSHO
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 3, 2022
The veteran defender retired from worldwide soccer in 2018 however solely after profitable 102 caps for Spain and hoisting aloft each the Euro 2012 and 2010 World Cup trophies.
As soon as a champion, all the time a champion 🇪🇸🏆#FIFAWorldCup | @3gerardpique pic.twitter.com/gQjf1Oix7L
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 3, 2022
And who can overlook his stunning management and end for Barcelona within the Champions League?
Throwback to when Gerard Pique changed into Lionel Messi 🔥
(by way of @ChampionsLeague)pic.twitter.com/Xg3Wfp6coL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 3, 2022
A few of Pique’s current and former teammates and opponents appeared within the feedback underneath his video message with the likes of Patrick Kluivert, Fabio Cannavaro, Javier Mascherano and Edgar Davids leaving heartfelt feedback.
“At all times on my crew,” wrote Ivan Rakitic, who spent a number of years at Barca alongside Pique.
After all, it goes with out saying that Carles Puyol, Pique’s ever-present defensive accomplice on the Camp Nou for a few years, additionally took the time to congratulate his previous buddy with a young message of his personal.
Gràcies per tot, Geri. Estic en shock. S’ha sigut molt injust amb tu, pocs han defensat la samarreta del Barça com tu ho has fet. Sempre podré explicar que vaig jugar al teu costat, un privilegi. T’estimo amic.❤️ pic.twitter.com/MweMaUnaXD
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) November 3, 2022
“Thanks for all the things, Geri,” Puyol wrote on Twitter.
“I am in shock […] few have defended the Barça shirt as you’ve got. I’ll all the time have the ability to say that I performed alongside you — a privilege. I really like you, buddy.”
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