Pep Guardiola also wanted to add a tribute to Gerard Pique, who, since announcing his retirement yesterday afternoon, has received thousands of messages of affection from friends, former teammates, Barcelona fans and the entire football world. The Manchester City boss clearly could not miss the spectacle that was responsible for the centre-back’s return to Barcelona in the summer of 2008, which turned him into one of the best players on the planet
During the four concurrent campaigns, they maintained an excellent relationship, although both admitted to having personal problems in the last of them. But over time they resolved these differences, always had a great talk about each other, and showed the tremendous respect they had for each other. Together they have won all the titles ever and are two of the most important legends to ever pass through the Camp Nou
“It was great news. After a wonderful career in Barcelona, I personally wish him and his family all the best. Pique has been a player in the big games. He never missed a big game and always played well. Every top team needs players like it. We had four wonderful years together. He never respected, misbehaved, or offered anything less than the highest standard. All I will say is that Gerrard is a happy man in his life, and he said exactly that in the video: “I don’t want to be a footballer, I want to be a Barcelona player.” It was his dream and his dream came true,” were the words of the Santpedor coach
Specifically, in England, they noted that Guardiola had the opportunity to speak with Pique shortly before making the decision to hang up his boots. And in this conversation, I encouraged him to leave through the great door, and to communicate his withdrawal as quickly as possible, to prevent his public image from being tarnished. This way everyone will remember him as a hero, not a brat. Thus he will also get many votes to fulfill the other dream he has in mind, which is to become the president of Barcelona
The former Manchester United and Zaragoza player will have a chance to say goodbye to his stadium and fans this weekend, against UD Almeria, and his last professional game will be against CA Osasuna on Tuesday
Pique will also be able to brag about being one of the privileged few who have been able to retire at Barcelona, something few have been able to do. Other club legends, such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Ronaldinho, Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, Victor Valdes or Samuel Eto’o, had to go elsewhere to say goodbye
To find the last case of a club legend who said goodbye while still part of the squad, you have to go back eight years in time, and Carles Puyol was the last to do so
