Gerard Piqué, a defender for Barcelona, on Saturday played his farewell game against Almeria and has announced his retirement from football. After a remarkable career at the club and international levels, the 35-year-old said in an emotional video released to his social media on Thursday that “it is the moment to complete this stage of my life.”
He continued, “Football has given me everything. “Barcelona has given me everything. You, Barcelona supporters, 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 adventure to a conclusion.”
Gerard Piqué’s Style of Play
Piqué is a dynamic and powerful defender who blends physical strength and tackling prowess with excellent passing and skill. He is good in the air due to his height and physical characteristics. Although he typically plays as a center-back, he is a tactically adaptable player who can also play as a defensive midfielder, which is where he first saw action as a young player.
He has also occasionally been used as a sweeper, where he has earned the nickname “Piquénbauer” for his resemblance to German legend Franz Beckenbauer. In other instances, he has also been known to move into more aggressive positions and play as an additional striker in order to increase his attacking threat, especially if his team is trailing late in a game.
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Gerard Piqué’s Carrer
- He grew up in Catalonia in a passionate football family
- He joined La Masia aged 10
- In 2004, he went to Manchester United seeking playtime and to progress in his career
- When Pep Guardiola became coach in 2008, he recalled Piqué to the club and he hasn’t looked back since
- He won everything whilst his time at Barca.
- He also won the World Cup 2010 and Euros 2012 with the star-studded Spain National Team
- He was at the heart of the defense of the Barcelona team of 2008-2012 which dominated world football and is widely regarded as the greatest football team of all time.
During the 2008-20th century, Piqué was a crucial member of two of the most successful teams in football history. Standing tall alongside another legend, Carles Puyol, He led Spain to back-to-back European championships and the World Cup. Alongside Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and others, he was part of Barcelona’s homegrown core.
Gerard Piqué’s major trophies
- English League Cup – 2006
- Premier League – 2008
- Champions League – 2008 (Man Utd), 2009, 2011, 2015 (Barcelona)
- La Liga – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
- Copa del Rey – 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021
- European Super Cup – 2009, 2011, 2015
- Club World Cup – 2009, 2011, 2015
- World Cup – 2010
- European Championship – 2012
Gerard Piqué’s Future
Piqué, who will become legendary among the fans, is anticipated to return to the team in some position, most likely as the club’s President.
To replace him, Barcelona’s coach Xavi has indicated that the team would attempt to sign a centre defender in January. Inigo Martinez is one of the leading candidates.
He is among the best defenders to play for Barcelona, he remarked, adding that Migueli and [Carles] Puyol are also noteworthy.
“He is one of the greatest center-backs ever. There are [Franz] Beckenbauer and [Franco] Baresi; in England, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand have both played; but Piqué is right up there with them.”
Reaction from Other Footballers to Piqué’s Retirement
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