Gerard Piqué is one of the finest defenders of this modern era. The former Barcelona captain started his professional soccer career in October 2004 as a center-back for Manchester United. After that, Pique appeared in 615 games for Barcelona and 102 games for his national team. 

Pique helped Barca win the treble once, eight Spanish League titles, and seven Copa del Rey crowns. For his national team, Pique was an integral part of the 2010 World Cup-winning team and the 2012 Europa League-winning team. 

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 3, 2022

The former La Masian didn’t have a great year (2022) because Barca signed new players and he wasn’t the first choice for the team; his personal life was all over the news, and Shakira’s divorce was detrimental to him. 

Pique accepted the wage cut but was not able to sustain himself in the game, which is why he decided to retire from soccer through a video statement on Twitter. Barca’s home match against Almería will be Pique’s last appearance at Camp Nou. 

Culers, us he de dir una cosa.

— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) November 3, 2022

In the video statement, the soccer maestro stated:

“Football has given me everything; Barca have given me everything; you, the fans, have given me everything. And now that my childhood dreams have been fulfilled, the moment has arrived to close this chapter. I always said that after Barcelona there would be no other club, and that is the way it is going to be. I will become another fan after I support the team and transmit my love for the club to my kids.”

Barça will always be your home. We will miss you 🥺

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 3, 2022

Beside soccer, Pique has huge investments in several other sectors through his company Kosmos, he owns a second division club, Andorra. Though his investments drew controversy, his love for Barcelona is so genuine that he wants to get back into the club again, maybe not as a player but as Barca president. 

“Sooner or later, I will be back. See you at Camp Nou! Visca Barca, always and forever.”

Visca Piqué. Sempre.

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 3, 2022