Retiring Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said he felt liberated when coach Xavi Hernandez took him off in the 83rd minute of the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday as he walked off in tears to a standing ovation from a packed Camp Nou.

The 35-year-old Pique announced on Friday that this would be his last game in the historic stadium as he decided to retire from soccer when LaLiga breaks for the World Cup next week.

"It was like taking a heavy burden off my back when I walked off the pitch," Pique told DAZN. "The last few months were really difficult and today I felt liberated. It was a lifetime experience that I'll take forever with me.

"I'm happy for giving it all for this club. There were good and bad days, but I'm proud of it. I think I leave with a job well done."

Pique started the game as captain on Saturday in a season where he faced heavy criticism for his poor form and fell out of favour with coach Xavi Hernandez who reportedly asked him in the close season to leave or retire.

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The signings of centre backs Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and the breakout of youngster Ronald Araujo has left Pique out of the picture at the age of 35.

There was the added pressure regarding his salary, reportedly the biggest at a club struggling financially and where every euro could affect their ability to sign or register new players facing the scrutiny of LaLiga's Financial Fair Play.

According to multiple reports, Pique will renounce the remaining year and half of his salary, a decision that will help Barcelona improve their Financial Fair Play margin.

"Pique was outstanding today and has once again shown that the bigger the game, the more it pays off," Xavi told DAZN. "I have told him that he is a legend at Barca and we are very grateful for his years at the club."

After the game, Pique was lifted in the air by his team mates and celebrated by the fans who chanted repeatedly "President! President! President!" as he is widely viewed in Barcelona as a future candidate to take over that post.

Regarded as one of the best centre backs of his generation, Pique collected 36 trophies in an 18-year career, including four Champions League titles plus a World Cup and European Championship with Spain.

But he is also a successful businessman, as the founder of Kosmos Holding, a company that has big investments in E-Sports, owns Spain's second division club FC Andorra and signed a 25-year, $3 billion partnership with the International Tennis Federation to transform the Davis Cup, among other investments.

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In June Pique announced his separation from Colombian singer Shakira and in April he denied any wrongdoing over his involvement in helping the Spanish FA secure a deal to relocate Spain's Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, an agreement which earned his Kosmos company $23.41 million in commission.

"I have a thousand things in front of me to choose, I need to organise myself," Pique said.

"This is my home. I was born here and I will return. But now it's time to enjoy the family, I'll go on vacation for a while."

Retiring Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said he felt liberated when coach Xavi Hernandez took him off in the 83rd minute of the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday as he walked off in tears to a standing ovation from a packed Camp Nou.

Retiring Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said he felt liberated when coach Xavi Hernandez took him off in the 83rd minute of the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday as he walked off in tears to a standing ovation from a packed Camp Nou. The 35-year-old Pique announced on Friday that this would be his last game in the historic stadium as he decided to retire from soccer when LaLiga breaks for the World Cup next week. "It was like taking a heavy burden off my back when I walked off the pitch," Pique told DAZN. "The last few months were really difficult and today I felt liberated. It was a lifetime experience that I'll take forever with me. "I'm happy for giving it all for this club. There were good and bad days, but I'm proud of it. I think I leave with a job well done." Pique started the game as captain on Saturday in a season where he faced heavy criticism for his poor form and fell out of favour with coach Xavi Hernandez who reportedly asked him in the close season to leave or retire. Also Read: Lionel Messi to miss PSG trip to Lorient with Achilles injury The signings of centre backs Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and the breakout of youngster Ronald Araujo has left Pique out of the picture at the age of 35. There was the added pressure regarding his salary, reportedly the biggest at a club struggling financially and where every euro could affect their ability to sign or register new players facing the scrutiny of LaLiga's Financial Fair Play. According to multiple reports, Pique will renounce the remaining year and half of his salary, a decision that will help Barcelona improve their Financial Fair Play margin. "Pique was outstanding today and has once again shown that the bigger the game, the more it pays off," Xavi told DAZN. "I have told him that he is a legend at Barca and we are very grateful for his years at the club." After the game, Pique was lifted in the air by his team mates and celebrated by the fans who chanted repeatedly "President! President! President!" as he is widely viewed in Barcelona as a future candidate to take over that post. Regarded as one of the best centre backs of his generation, Pique collected 36 trophies in an 18-year career, including four Champions League titles plus a World Cup and European Championship with Spain. But he is also a successful businessman, as the founder of Kosmos Holding, a company that has big investments in E-Sports, owns Spain's second division club FC Andorra and signed a 25-year, $3 billion partnership with the International Tennis Federation to transform the Davis Cup, among other investments. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo has last chance to shine on World Cup stage for Portugal in Qatar In June Pique announced his separation from Colombian singer Shakira and in April he denied any wrongdoing over his involvement in helping the Spanish FA secure a deal to relocate Spain's Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, an agreement which earned his Kosmos company $23.41 million in commission. "I have a thousand things in front of me to choose, I need to organise myself," Pique said. "This is my home. I was born here and I will return. But now it's time to enjoy the family, I'll go on vacation for a while."

'I felt liberated': Barcelona defender Gerard Pique on decision to retire from football

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique called time on his glittering career on Thursday, saying he will retire from football when LaLiga breaks for the World Cup this month.

Pique, 35, said in a video posted on social media that Saturday's league clash with Almeria will be his last at Barcelona's Camp Nou after 14 years with the Catalan giants following his return from Manchester United in 2008.

Barcelona will travel to Osasuna on Tuesday for their final fixture before the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup.

"I want to tell you that I've decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end," Pique, who has not been a regular starter for Barcelona this season, said in the video.

"I've always said that there would not be any other team after Barca. And that's how it will be. This Saturday's game will be my last at Camp Nou."

"A lifetime dedicated to Barca. Thank you, Pique," Barcelona tweeted after the player's announcement.

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Pique, a member of Barcelona's youth academy, announced in 2018 his retirement from Spain's national team.

The player has a contract with Barcelona until 2024 but he will renounce the remaining year and half his salary, La Vanguardia newspaper reported.

The decision will help Barcelona improve their financial fair play margin since Pique is among their best-paid players.

Pique has been the subject of off-pitch news in recent months.

In June he announced his separation from Colombian singer Shakira and in April he denied any wrongdoing over his involvement in helping the Spanish FA secure a deal to relocate Spain's Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, an agreement which earned his Kosmos company 24 million euros ($23.41 million) in commission.

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Regarded as one of the best centre backs of his generation, Pique collected 35 trophies during his 18-year career.

Pique won nine league titles in Spain and England, four Champions League trophies, as well as a World Cup and European Championship.

Pique has said he would like to be Barcelona's president one day. In his farewell video, while looking at the board's Camp Nou seats, he said: "Sooner or later, I'll be back".

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Barcelona defender Gerard Pique called time on his glittering career on Thursday, saying he will retire from football when LaLiga breaks for the World Cup this month.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique called time on his glittering career on Thursday, saying he will retire from football when LaLiga breaks for the World Cup this month. Pique, 35, said in a video posted on social media that Saturday's league clash with Almeria will be his last at Barcelona's Camp Nou after 14 years with the Catalan giants following his return from Manchester United in 2008. Barcelona will travel to Osasuna on Tuesday for their final fixture before the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup. "I want to tell you that I've decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end," Pique, who has not been a regular starter for Barcelona this season, said in the video. "I've always said that there would not be any other team after Barca. And that's how it will be. This Saturday's game will be my last at Camp Nou." "A lifetime dedicated to Barca. Thank you, Pique," Barcelona tweeted after the player's announcement. ALSO READ: Can Cristiano Ronaldo join FC Barcelona? Club president Joan Laporta responds to transfer speculations Pique, a member of Barcelona's youth academy, announced in 2018 his retirement from Spain's national team. The player has a contract with Barcelona until 2024 but he will renounce the remaining year and half his salary, La Vanguardia newspaper reported. The decision will help Barcelona improve their financial fair play margin since Pique is among their best-paid players. Pique has been the subject of off-pitch news in recent months. In June he announced his separation from Colombian singer Shakira and in April he denied any wrongdoing over his involvement in helping the Spanish FA secure a deal to relocate Spain's Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, an agreement which earned his Kosmos company 24 million euros ($23.41 million) in commission. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record breaking career in pictures Regarded as one of the best centre backs of his generation, Pique collected 35 trophies during his 18-year career. Pique won nine league titles in Spain and England, four Champions League trophies, as well as a World Cup and European Championship. Pique has said he would like to be Barcelona's president one day. In his farewell video, while looking at the board's Camp Nou seats, he said: "Sooner or later, I'll be back". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Barcelona's Pique to retire, will play last home game on Saturday

Colombian singer Shakira and Footballer Gerard Pique have announced their separation amid the cheating rumours. The couple has been together for 12&nbsp;years, however, they never got hitched. In the decade long relationship, Sharika and Gerard welcomed two sons -&nbsp;Milan Piqué Mebarak, 9, &amp; Sasha Piqué Mebarak, 7.

On Saturday, the&nbsp;singer, 45 and former professional footballer, 35 announced their separation in a joint statement.&nbsp;"We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the wellbeing of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy," the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shakira-gerard-pique-to-split-after-12-years-of-relationship-a-history-of-their-love-story-484455">Shakira- Gerard Pique to split after 12 years of relationship? A history of their love story</a>

The shocking news of their split comes after Pique's&nbsp;cheating news took the internet by storm. Many reports suggested that the couple have been living separately for a few months now after Shakira found out about her affair with another woman.&nbsp;Pique has moved out and is living in&nbsp;Barcelona.

However, they&nbsp;have&nbsp;not commented on the cheating news yet.

The couple first met&nbsp;in the year&nbsp;2010 on the set of Shakira`s "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)". The singer sang the official&nbsp;2010 FIFA World Cup anthem and&nbsp;Gerard appeared in the video.

''I wasn't a soccer fan, so I didn't know who he was," Shakira recalled later during an interview. "When I saw the video, I was like, 'Hmm, that one's kind of cute.'And then someone decided to introduce us."

However, after a few months of dating, the couple called it split only to&nbsp;come back stronger for the second time. In the year 2011,&nbsp;the former couple confirmed that they had&nbsp;split in August 2010. However, a few months later, in March of the same year,&nbsp;the couple made their relationship Instagram official.&nbsp;

Shakira also hinted about Pisque cheating in the song ‘Te Felicito’ with Rauw Alejandro. In the song, Shakira sings,&nbsp;“To complete you,&nbsp;I broke into pieces,&nbsp;was warned,&nbsp;but I didn’t listen;&nbsp;I realised that yours is false.''

Meanwhile, The "Hips Don`t Lie" singer is facing a trial over alleged tax fraud charges in Spain after she lost an appeal on May 26. Prosecutors claim she failed to pay up to 14.5 million euros ($15.54 million) in tax on income earned between 2012 and 2014. 
 
(With inputs from the agency)

Colombian singer Shakira and Footballer Gerard Pique have announced their separation amid the cheating rumours. The couple has been together for 12 years, however, they never got hitched.

Colombian singer Shakira and Footballer Gerard Pique have announced their separation amid the cheating rumours. The couple has been together for 12 years, however, they never got hitched. In the decade long relationship, Sharika and Gerard welcomed two sons - Milan Piqué Mebarak, 9, & Sasha Piqué Mebarak, 7. On Saturday, the singer, 45 and former professional footballer, 35 announced their separation in a joint statement. "We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the wellbeing of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy," the statement said. Shakira- Gerard Pique to split after 12 years of relationship? A history of their love story The shocking news of their split comes after Pique's cheating news took the internet by storm. Many reports suggested that the couple have been living separately for a few months now after Shakira found out about her affair with another woman. Pique has moved out and is living in Barcelona. However, they have not commented on the cheating news yet. The couple first met in the year 2010 on the set of Shakira`s "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)". The singer sang the official 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem and Gerard appeared in the video. ''I wasn't a soccer fan, so I didn't know who he was," Shakira recalled later during an interview. "When I saw the video, I was like, 'Hmm, that one's kind of cute.'And then someone decided to introduce us." However, after a few months of dating, the couple called it split only to come back stronger for the second time. In the year 2011, the former couple confirmed that they had split in August 2010. However, a few months later, in March of the same year, the couple made their relationship Instagram official. Shakira also hinted about Pisque cheating in the song ‘Te Felicito’ with Rauw Alejandro. In the song, Shakira sings, “To complete you, I broke into pieces, was warned, but I didn’t listen; I realised that yours is false.'' Meanwhile, The "Hips Don`t Lie" singer is facing a trial over alleged tax fraud charges in Spain after she lost an appeal on May 26. Prosecutors claim she failed to pay up to 14.5 million euros ($15.54 million) in tax on income earned between 2012 and 2014. (With inputs from the agency)

Shakira confirms her separation from Gerard Pique amid cheating rumors

Gerard Pique has dropped a major hint that the 2021-2022 season could be his final season, as the star defender wants to retire as a Barcelona player.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-southgate-open-minded-about-fifas-biennial-world-cup-proposal-411336" hreflang="en">Gareth Southgate open-minded about FIFA's biennial World Cup proposal</a>

In a conversation with La Sotana, Pique confirmed that he will retire at Barcelona and also dropped a hint that this season could be last donning the Blaugrana jersey.&nbsp;

"I will retire at Barca."

"This could be the last season, yes. I go year after year, so I cannot guarantee that I will be there next season. The day I feel that I can’t help Barca anymore, I will retire."

Pique, who returned to Camp Nou in 2008, has made 568 appearances for Barcelona. Several Barcelona fans also look at Gerard Pique as the club's future president.&nbsp;

But, he was asked if Bartomeu's tenure as the club's president was the worst. He replied: "I don’t know if he was the worst, but for me, during my time, he’s on the list for sure.&nbsp;

"We all make mistakes, but in his time Barca weren’t where they should be."

The Catalan giants have witnessed two high profile departures (Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezemann) but the club has found new stars like Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati to carry on the club's glory.&nbsp;

Gerard Pique has dropped a major hint that the 2021-2022 season could be his final season, as the star defender wants to retire as a Barcelona player. ALSO READ: Gareth Southgate open-minded about FIFA's biennial World Cup proposal In a conversation with La Sotana, Pique confirmed that he will retire at Barcelona and also dropped a hint that this season could be last donning the Blaugrana jersey.

Gerard Pique has dropped a major hint that the 2021-2022 season could be his final season, as the star defender wants to retire as a Barcelona player. ALSO READ: Gareth Southgate open-minded about FIFA's biennial World Cup proposal In a conversation with La Sotana, Pique confirmed that he will retire at Barcelona and also dropped a hint that this season could be last donning the Blaugrana jersey. "I will retire at Barca." "This could be the last season, yes. I go year after year, so I cannot guarantee that I will be there next season. The day I feel that I can’t help Barca anymore, I will retire." Pique, who returned to Camp Nou in 2008, has made 568 appearances for Barcelona. Several Barcelona fans also look at Gerard Pique as the club's future president. But, he was asked if Bartomeu's tenure as the club's president was the worst. He replied: "I don’t know if he was the worst, but for me, during my time, he’s on the list for sure. "We all make mistakes, but in his time Barca weren’t where they should be." The Catalan giants have witnessed two high profile departures (Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezemann) but the club has found new stars like Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati to carry on the club's glory.

'I will retire at Barcelona': Gerard Pique drops a major hint on his future