Plenty has happened within FC Barcelona in recent weeks but by far one of the biggest surprises is the announcement made by one of the club’s longest serving defender, Gerard Pique, as he has announced that he will retire from football when the Spanish league breaks for the World Cup this month.
Pique, 35, came out with a statement today at 20:00 CET saying Saturday's match against Almeria will be his last at the Spotify Camp Nou for the Catalan club, with one final fixture to come against Osasuna away from home next week Tuesday.
"I want to let you know that I have decided that this is the moment to end this cycle; I have always said that after Barca there will never be another club and that is how it will be," Pique said in a video posted to social media.
“Now it is time to bring my story to an end.
This Saturday will be my last match at Camp Nou."
According to reports, Pique has also renounced the terms he was owed until the remainder of his contract. Including deferred wages, that amount is close to €60Million.
With a trophy haul of 34 trophies including winning 8 La Ligas, 4 Champions Leagues, 3 Club World Cups, and a World Cup amidst other trophies, it’s easy to conclude the Spanish defender is one of the most decorated players to play the game.