Gerard Pique announces retirement from football and end of Barcelona 'journey'

Veteran defender says Saturday's match against Almeria will be his last game for the club at Camp Nou

Gerard Pique of Spain holds the World Cup aloft after the 2010 final against Netherlands at Soccer City Stadium on July 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Spain won the match 1-0. Getty Images

Lionel Messi, right, was a longtime Barcelona teammate of Gerard Pique before the former's departure for PSG in 2021. On Thursday Pique announced Saturday's La Liga match against Almeria will be his final match for the club at Camp Nou. Getty Images

Barcelona's defender Gerard Pique and his son Milan celebrate with the Champions League trophy after their win over Juventus at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin in 2015. AFP

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, now first-team coach, celebrates with Gerard Pique after Pique scored their team's third goal during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk at Camp Nou on April 6, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. Getty Images

Gerard Pique of Spain celebrates with the trophy after the Euro 2012 final victory against Italy at the Olympic Stadium on July 1, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. Getty Images

Gerard Pique, right, of Spain celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his teammate Sergio Ramos during the Euro 2016 Group D match against Czech Republic at Stadium Municipal on June 13, 2016 in Toulouse, France. Getty Images

Carles Puyol, left, formed a formidable defensive partnership with Gerard Pique during their time together at Barcelona. Getty Images

Gerard Pique and then partner Shakira pose with the trophy after Barcelona won the Copa del Rey final against Athletic at Camp Nou on May 30, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. The pair announced a split in June 2022. Getty Images

Barcelona's Gerard Pique celebrates scoring their fourth goal during the Champions League match between Barcelona and Lyon in 2019. Reuters

Gerard Pique developed into one of the world's most accomplished defenders under the guidance of Pep Guardiola after signing for Barcelona in 2009. Getty Images

Gerard Pique, left, of Spain clears the ball under pressure from England's David Beckham during his first international match for Spain in a friendly at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on February 11, 2009 in Seville, Spain. Getty Images

Barcelona's Gerard Pique sits on the bench before the La Liga match against Valencia on 29 October 2022. EPA

Gerard Pique, right, spent four years on Manchester United's books from 2004 to 2008, playing alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, and Nemanja Vidic. Getty Images

Gerard Pique of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammate Nemanja Vidic during the Champions League Group F match against Dynamo Kyiv at Old Trafford on November 7, 2007 in Manchester, England. Getty Images

Gerard Pique poses with Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United while holding a United scarf after signing for Manchester United on July 1, 2004 at Carrington Training Ground in Manchester, England. Getty Images

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique shocked the football on Thursday by announcing the weekend's match against Almeria will be his last match at Camp Nou.

Pique, 35, made the announcement on Twitter, saying "the moment has come to end this journey".

"Saturday's match [against Almeria] will be my last at the Camp Nou," Pique posted in a video on Twitter that has been viewed over 12 million times.

Saturday's match will give Barca fans a chance to say goodbye to one of the most decorated players in the club's history.

Since signing from Manchester United in 2008, Pique has won eight La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, three Champions Leagues and 12 other major trophies in more than 600 appearances in Barca's colours.

The veteran defender is also a World Cup winner (2010) and European Championship (2012) winner with Spain.

"I wanted to tell you that I've decided the moment has come to end this journey," he said in the clip of the star watching images of himself as a small boy wearing the Barcelona shirt, or chasing after autographs.

"There's no other team after Barca," he added. "I'm going to become a super fan, I'll be supporting the team and pass on my love for Barca to my son."

"And sooner or later, I'll be back," he concluded.

Though Saturday will be Pique's last home match, he is expected to be involved in the club's final La Liga fixture before the World Cup, a trip to face Osasuna on Tuesday.

Pique will not be part of Spain's squad at the Qatar World Cup this month having retired in August 2018 with 102 caps and five goals.

Barca president Joan Laporta told Barca TV Pique's decision to call time on his career is tied to the club's financial problems.

"He is part of the Barca club badge, he will always be a leader for Barca fans, he has clearly demonstrated what Barca love," president Joan Laporta told Barca TV.

"Pique understands our financial fair play situation and is very willing to help the club."

It remains to be seen what will happen to the money he was still owed by the club for deferring a part of his salary during the Covid-19 pandemic, with some reports in Spain suggesting he might let Barcelona off the hook to some extent, given their financial situation.

The Catalan defender has previously expressed a desire to become president of the club one day. This gesture would certainly be remembered by the club's member if and when Pique decides to makes that step.

Laporta and his board have mentioned the trouble they have had reducing their wage bill, with veteran players like Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, at the higher end of the scale.

"A life dedicated to Barca, thank you Pique," wrote Barcelona on Twitter.

Arriving at the Camp Nou age 10, Pique left his home city for Manchester United's academy in 2004, winning a first Champions League trophy under then manager Alex Ferguson in 2008.

He then returned to Catalonia in 2008 and developed into one of the game's most assured defenders under the guidance of Pep Guardiola winning an unprecedented five trophies in 2009: league, cup, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.

Known as a defender with an eye for goal, Pique netted 52 times for Barcelona in 615 appearances, including in a famous 6-2 rout of Real Madrid in 2009.

While Pique will rightly be remembered as one of the club's greatest players, he leaves with Barca knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage for the second season running, as the club look to move into a new era.

Xavi used him this season as a fifth-choice centre-back, playing when others were injured, and his performances drew criticism, with some fans whistled him during the recent win over Villarreal at Camp Nou.

The defender was at fault for a goal which Inter Milan scored in a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou which virtually saw Barcelona eliminated from the Champions League.

"I am in shock, people have been unfair to you, few have defended the Barcelona shirt like you have," wrote former Barcelona defender and captain Carles Puyol on Twitter.

"I will always be able to say that I played by your side, a privilege, I love you, my friend."

A sporting hero in Spain, Pique had celebrity status too as partner to Colombian singer Shakira.

They met during the filming of the video of Shakira's 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka.

Shakira sang the official song before the 2010 World Cup closing ceremony in South Africa, with Pique's Spain defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium.

The couple, who announced their separation in June, have two children.

Pique has mixed playing with a burgeoning business career, founding the sports events company Kosmos which was behind the revamp of tennis' Davis Cup.

Barca v Inter Milan ratings

BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 7. Beaten by Dzeko’s 16th-minute effort which hit the bar and bounced down just in front of his line. Saved from Mkhitaryan on 24 and Dumfries on 27. Big save from Calhanoglu on 59 but Inter scored three, benefitting from some pinball football on a wild, engrossing night. So exposed for Gosens’ third he could do little. Stunning save after 95 minutes. EPA

Marcos Alonso – 5. His height meant he started ahead of the more regular left backs Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde. Biggest moment came as he blocked a one-on-one Inter attack after 61, but he struggled to control Dumfries. EPA

Gerard Pique – 4. Big name, mixed performance. After 49 minutes he was playing well and in the Inter box trying to set up Pedri. A minute later he signalled the all clear to his teammates – except it wasn’t and Inter equalised. Looked like a risk too often. EPA

Eric Garcia – 7. Spun a 14th-minute ball forward towards Pedri as Barca searched for an equaliser. Beaten by Martinez for Inter’s second but super cross for Lewandowski to make it 3-3. “What can I do?” asked his boss Xavi. “If the defence fails, I fail too.” AFP

Sergi Roberto – 7. Saw his 30th-minute shot from distance spilled by Onana. Assisted for Dembele to open the scoring with a cross along the byline. Moved into the middle when Barca attacked, but they were too easy to turn over on the defence and he was caught out. EPA

Sergio Busquets – 6. Gave the ball away to Calhanoglu, which led directly to Inter’s second. Was next seen looking forlorn having been substituted a minute later. AFP

Gavi – 7. Lost the ball which led to Inter’s best first half attack. In front of a huge 92,302 crowd, Barca started well. “The first half was excellent,” said Xavi. “They suffered a lot. And in the second, mistakes cost us dearly. We tried until the end but it couldn’t happen.” AFP

Pedri – 6. Buzzing in and about the centre. Smashed by Di Vrij in a yellow card tackle on 56. Dribbled past two defenders on 57 but his shot was easily saved and one of football’s best players won’t be playing Champions League. “The competition has been cruel to us,” said Xavi. “In Munich, with effectiveness. In Milan, due to many circumstances. Today, because of mistakes. Today the word is cruelty.” Getty

Ousmane Dembele – 7. He tried to run at men in Milan, without success. At home, he tried to be cuter, whipping crosses in. Curled a shot on target after 26. Got ahead of his man to equalise for Barca’s with a side foot – which he and his teammates celebrated with passion and fury. Always a threat, sometimes too selfish in second half. Booked. AFP

Robert Lewandowski – 9. Ninth-minute header was cleared off the line. Outraged by the heavy challenges of Skriniar. Put ball in the net on 70 but it was offside. His persistence made it 2-2, with a header then a shot which deflected in. He gave it his all and the best came at the last with a splendid header to make it 3-3. Reuters

Raphinha – 6. Early ball into the box and swung a 10th minute shot over. Underhit free-kicks and really should have hit the target from a Lewandowski cross on 36. Almost made it 2-0, curling a shot wide of Onana’s post. AFP

SUBS: Frenkie De Jong Busquets 64’) – 8. Made a difference, testing Onana on 72. On this performance, he should have started. Getty

Ansu Fati (Raphinha 64’) – 6. Difficult against a six-man Inter defence. EPA

Alejandro Balde (Alonso 72’) – 6. Super cross after bombing down the line which led to the second goal. Getty

Franck Kessie (Roberto 72’) – 7. A Xavi signing, but one he’s reluctant to start. Brought on with three other subs as Barca pushed for a win they couldn’t record, but he created a chance for Lewandowski. Getty

INTER MILAN PLAYER RATINGS: Andre Onana – 6. Unconvincing when dealing with a shot and cross from Dembele as well as Roberto’s strike from outside the box. Also rushed out well to deny Pedri and palmed Lewandowski’s attempt away. Wrongfooted by the deflection off Bastoni for Lewandowski’s goal but did outstandingly to pick out Martinez. AFP

Milan Skriniar – 6. Let Lewandowski know he was there in the early stages, but had a mixed game, making a good header to clear Raphinha’s free-kick delivery while also kicking a simple pass out of play. Got away with a slip at a horrible moment. Blocked Fati’s late shot. Getty

Stefan de Vrij – 5. Beat Pique to win a vital header and made some perfectly-timed challenges in and around his own box. However, he completely missed the ball when an opportunity arose to score at the other end and his poor clearance fell to Lewandowski for the equaliser. Booked for a late challenge on Pedri. Getty

Alessandro Bastoni – 7. Stood up well when Lewandowski was twisting and turning in the box and made a good clearance to stop Pedri’s ball through. Dealt with Lewandowski brilliantly when Dembele swung a cross in then played the ball that assisted Barella. Showed great composure when being closed down in a potentially dangerous area but was unlucky that Lewandowski’s shot deflected off him and past Onana. AFP

Denzel Dumfries – 4. Made a great burst forward to get a chance on goal but smashed the ball straight at Ter Stegen. Completely lost Dembele for the opener. Couldn’t find Martinez with his cross after doing well to get forward, then got behind Pique but tried to cut the ball back instead of shooting and saw it cut out. Reuters

Nicolo Barella – 8. Showed plenty of energy, putting in a lot of good work to help out his defence. Did brilliantly to pickpocket Gavi and set up Dumfries for a chance that wasn’t taken, but then nipped behind Pique and capitalised on the centre-back’s mistake to equalise. Reuters

Hakan Calhanoglu – 7. Put in a free-kick delivery that caused chaos in the Barcelona box and deserved a finish. His ambitious shot caused problems for Ter Stegen. Delivered the pass that assisted Martinez. AFP

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6. Made some solid defensive contributions including a clearance off the line and a great tackle on the edge of his own box, but he couldn’t keep up with Roberto in the build-up to the opener. Had a decent shot saved. Booked for a cynical foul on De Jong. EPA

Federico Dimarco – 5. Showed a lack of quality at times, overhitting his pass to Barella when there was an opportunity to break and conceding a goal kick with a poor corner delivery. Did well to impede Lewandowski when Onana spilled Roberto’s shot but was then beaten too easily by Raphinha in the build-up to the opener. EPA

Lautaro Martinez – 8. It wasn’t a game where the Argentine had many opportunities, but he took the only real one that came his way by chesting the ball away from Garcia and firing in off both posts. Then played a perfectly-weighted pass to set up Gosens for the winner and should have had another assist for Kristjan Asllani. Booked for kicking the ball away. AFP

Edin Dzeko – 6. Had moments where he did brilliantly to hold up the ball and bring teammates into the game, while he even made some good defensive headers. Was desperately unlucky to see his shot hit the crossbar and stay out, before his effort was stopped by a great Gavi block. EPA

SUBS: Matteo Darmian (Dimarco 67’) – 5. Struggled against Dembele at times and was even nutmegged by the Frenchman. AFP

Robin Gosens (Calhanoglu 76’) – 7. Having been unlucky with a couple of his runs going forward, he applied the coolest of finishes to score Inter’s third. Unlucky to see his header saved in the final seconds. EPA

Raoul Bellanova (Dzeko 76’) – N/R. Unable to challenge Lewandowski as he headed in the last equaliser, then made a great tackle on Balde before losing the ball and putting his team in an awkward situation. Delivered a cross that Gosens almost scored from in the final seconds (no match photo available). EPA

Kristjan Asllani (Barella 85’) – N/R. Did well to win the ball back in his box seconds after Gosens’ goal but should have had a goal of his own after being slipped through by Martinez. Getty

Francesco Acerbi (Bastoni, 85’) – N/R. Got an important header on two Pedri crosses but couldn’t do enough to help his side earn all three points. Getty