‘Nothing will be the same’ – How Barcelona reacted to Pique’s retirement

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 6 Nov 2022 03:27 CST
• 4 min read

Gerard Pique played the final match of his career with Barcelona in a 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday at Camp Nou.

It was a fixture that was won by goals from Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong after Robert Lewandowski missed a first-half penalty, yet it will be remembered for the rapturous scenes at the end of the game as Pique gave an emotional speech to the crowd and was greeted by more than 92,000 fans – the biggest Barca crowd since 2019.

Pique will depart the Blaugrana as a club legend, having played 615 times for Barca in a spell that began in 2008 as a professional and in 1997 as a youth player. He won every major title on offer during this spell and was a member of the Barca squad throughout their golden era, winning eight Primera Division titles and three Champions Leagues.

As one of the last remaining figures of the Barcelona old guard, this was naturally an emotional occasion.

At full-time, Camp Nou chanted: “President! President! President!” It was a powerful message to a player who has had a difficult 18 months at the club, where he has struggled with a loss of form as well as the burden of a high wage packet during a difficult time for Barca financially.

While this has left some fans hostile towards him, the majority are understanding of his decision.

"Gerard leaves a spectacular legacy," Sergio Busquets said after the match. "He has become synonymous with one of the best clubs in the world. He has made history. He has gone out of his way for the club. He has created an incredible atmosphere. He is the example of what a Barca player is and what he has to do."

Former Barcelona attacker Gary Lineker was among those who took to Twitter to praise his contribution to the club over the years.

What did Pique say?

Pique spoke to the fans after the game from the centre of the pitch and left them with an emotional message.

“I was born here and I will die here,” he said. “When you get older, you realise that sometimes to love is to let go. I'm convinced that I'll be here again in the future.

“I love Barca. That's why I consider it's the right moment to go. This is not a goodbye.”

Pique will, therefore, be back at Barcelona, but only the future will tell exactly when and in what capacity.