Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique, retires Saturday

Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique, on Thursday, announced his retirement from professional football.

Pique said his final game will be Barcelona’s match against Almeria at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

The 35-year-old defender, a three-time Champions League winner and eight-time La Liga winner with Barcelona, made this known via a video message posted on his social media accounts.

He won 102 caps for Spain, winning the World Cup in 2010.

“Football has given me everything. Barcelona has given me everything. You, culers (Barcelona fans), have given me everything.

“And now that (this) kid’s dreams have come true, I want to tell you that I’ve decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end,” the defender stated.

Pique, who also had a spell at Manchester United earlier in his career, has become a peripheral figure for Barcelona this season, making only five starts.

He, however, said he wants his boyhood club to be his last.

“I’ve always said that there would not be any other team after Barca. And that’s how it will be,” he added.

He finished his statement hinting at a future return to the club in a non-playing capacity.

“This Saturday’s game will be my last at Camp Nou. I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barcelona to my children.

“And you know me. Sooner or later, I’ll be back,”Gerard Pique said.

He won 30 major trophies during his 14-year career at Barcelona.

These include eight league titles, seven Copa del Reys, three Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, six Spanish Super Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups.

The Star