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Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said on Thursday that he will retire from football when LaLiga breaks for the World Cup later this month.
Pique, 35, stated in a social media video that Saturday’s league match against Almeria will be his final at Camp Nou after 14 years with the Catalan giants following his return from Manchester United in 2008.
Barcelona will travel to Osasuna on Tuesday for their penultimate match before the November 20-December break.
“I want to tell you that I’ve decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end,” Pique, who has not been a regular starter for Barcelona this season, said in the video.
“I’ve always said that there would not be any other team after Barca. And that’s how it will be. This Saturday’s game will be my last at Camp Nou.”
“A lifetime dedicated to Barca. Thank you, Pique,” Barcelona tweeted after the player’s announcement.
Pique, regarded as one of the best centre backs of his period, won 35 championships throughout his 18-year career.
Pique won nine league crowns in Spain and England, four Champions Leagues, a World Cup, and a European Championship.
Pique has stated his desire to become Barcelona’s president one day. In his farewell video, he says, “Sooner or later, I’ll be back,” while looking towards the board’s Camp Nou chairs.
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