Gerard Pique announced an abrupt retirement from FC Barcelona and played his final game at Camp Nou on Saturday, Nov. 5 against Almeria. Pique released a statement saying “Culers, is he de dir una cosa.” (Translation: “Culers, I have to tell you something.”)

Pique has been part of the Barca family from early childhood. He grew up in a family of ‘Culers’ (Barcelona fans) and played for Barcelona’s under 12 junior team. He joined the club as a professional player in 2008 after playing for British Premier League team, Manchester United. 

He leaves the team, currently first in the LaLiga brackets, in the hands of up and coming teen superstar duo Pablo Gavi, winner of the 2022 Kopa Award, and Pedri Gonzalez, along with newly acquired players Robert Lewendowski, transfer from Bundesliga team Bayern Munich and winner of the 2022 Gerd Müller Trophy, and Jules Koundé, transfer from LaLiga team Sevilla FC. 

Barcelona has had an impressive season with wins against every LaLiga team except Real Madrid, led by 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema. Barcelona secured a 5 point lead in LaLiga after their win against Osasuna on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Pique has lifted the LaLiga trophy four times, the Champions League trophy two times, and the coveted FIFA World Cup title for Spain in 2010. After completing other ventures, he will look into becoming President of FC Barcelona, continuing his legacy at the Spanish soccer team.