Ukpono Anietie, PH
Gerard Pique bade farewell to professional football as FC Barcelona defeated Almeria 2-1 on Saturday evening after a successful career with the Catalans club.
The 35 years old defender announced on Thursday that Barcelona’s game on Saturday against Almeria would be his last.
“I’ve always said that there would not be any other team after Barca and that’s how it will be.
”Football has given me everything. Barca has given me everything. You, culers [the fans], have given me everything and now that all that kid’s dreams have come true, I want to tell you I have decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end”, the FC Barcelona legend said.
After the game tonight, a tearful Gerard Pique gave an emotional final speech, as he vows to return.
“In life, when you get older, you realize that sometimes to love is to let go. I’m convinced that I’ll be here again in the future.
“I love Barça, that’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go.
“This is not a goodbye. I was born here, I’ll die here”, he said.
FC Barcelona took to twitter to pay tribute to the club’s legend. They wrote:
“So long, Gerard 👋🥹”
Barcelona captain, Sergio Busquets who handed the captain hand band to Pique before the game also made a his ex-team player.
“Gerard leaves a spectacular legacy here. He made us into one of the best clubs in the world.
“He has made history here and gone out of his way for the club.
“He’s an example of what a Barca player is and what they have to do.” Busquets told reporters.
Pique’s stellar career at FC Barcelona comes to an end with 616 appearances and winning over 30 trophies.
