Barcelona’s star Defender Gerard Pique Announced his Retirement from Football

Gerard Pique, Barcelona’s star defender, announced his retirement from football on Thursday in a video posted to his Twitter account

The Barcelona star Gerard Pique will play his final game for the club against Almeria in LaLiga on Saturday. Before calling it a day on a glittering career that included eight LaLiga titles, three Champions Leagues, and numerous other trophies.

Gerard Pique and his glorious nine year career

During his glorious nine-year career with Spain. He won the 2010 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup. And the 2012 European Championship before retiring from international football after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Pique joined the club’s youth system in 1997

before joining Manchester United in 2004. Pique’s grandfather was a member of Barcelona’s board of directors.

He returned to Barcelona in 2008 after four years in Manchester, 23 first-team appearances for England. And a season-long loan with Real Zaragoza in Spain.

Pique was a mainstay in the first team for his first 14 seasons, but since the addition of defenders Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde this year, he has slipped down the pecking order.

Pique has made nine appearances across all competitions this season

Despite being the fifth choice in his position, Pique has made nine appearances across all competitions this season. With Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia also ahead of him.

However, following the 3-3 draw with Inter Milan last month, in which Pique was singled out for criticism. Marcos Alonso has been used in front of him in defence, prompting him to consider leaving midway through his contract, which runs until 2024.

According to ESPN, Pique was informed by Barcelona in the summer that playing time would be limited this year. As the club looked to either let some of the veterans, such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, go or reduce their contracts.

Pique, Busquets, and Alba have all revised their salaries and agreed to pay reductions and deferrals at various points. In recent years to help the team navigate a difficult financial situation.

Despite the fact that they have played fewer minutes under Xavi this season. Their salaries consume a sizable portion of Barca’s budget due to deferred payments that are now due.

Pique, who will be 36 in January, already has a wide range of extracurricular interests. He owns the second-tier team Andorra and, through his company, Kosmos, has redesigned the Davis Cup tennis competition.