Pique set for shock retirement after final match in Barcelona this weekend

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 3 min read

Gerard Pique is set to retire from football after posting a video to social media bidding farewell to Barcelona fans, with his final home game penciled in for this weekend.

The 35-year-old still had more than 18 months to run on his contract but has seen his form decline, along with a host of issues in his personal life, and he has decided his Barcelona career will end imminently.

“I have decided that it is time to close the circle,” Pique said in the video. “I’ve always said that after Barca there won’t be any other team, and that’s the way it will be.”

END OF AN ERA: How Barca could line up without Pique and Sergio Busquets

Pique confirmed that Barcelona’s next fixture against Almeria ‘will be my last game at the Camp Nou’, although he is also expected to be available for their following match away to Osasuna before the break for the World Cup.

It is unclear whether Pique will make himself available for the tournament in Qatar, having been included in Luis Enrique’s provisional 55-man squad, although he left himself open for a return to Barcelona, cryptically ending his video with a message saying ‘I’ll be back.’

RELIEF: How much Pique was set to earn at Barcelona over the next two years

Related articles

Premier League 2022/23 summer transfers: All the completed deals

Out of contract in 2022: The best free agents available on a Bosman

Pique ends Barca career in legendary style

While Pique’s most recent years may have been plagued by injury and poor form, the defender has established himself as a true Barcelona great across two spells at the club.

Having come through the academy as a youngster, Pique joined Manchester United as a 17-year-old in 2004 but returned to Barca four years later, where he has remained ever since.

Pique won a staggering 30 trophies during his 14 years at the club as well as winning the World Cup and European Championships with Spain and a host of individual honours.

However, Pique’s biggest contribution may come off the pitch as he is likely to forego the remainder of his contract which would have seen him paid €40 million in 2024.

With Barcelona struggling to make ends meet, their vice-captain’s departure could provide instant relief to the wage bill and further establish himself as a club legend.