Football News : Gerard Pique announces he is leaving Barcelona and retiring from football

The seasoned centre back Gerard Pique has declared his imminent retirement from football and his departure from Barcelona following Saturday's La Liga match with Almeria. The 35-year- old's contract with the Catalan powerhouses still has 18 months to run, and this season, he has made nine appearances for the team across all competitions.

Pique, however, announced in a video posted on social media that he would be leaving Barcelona after Saturday's La Liga match against Almeria.

"Culers, it's Gerard. The last few weeks, months, lots of people have been talking about me. Until now, I haven't said anything. But now, I want to be the one talking about me. Like many of you, I've always been a Barca fan. I was born into a football loving family of Barca fans. From a very young age I didn't want to become a football player,"

he said.

"I wanted to be a Barca player. I've been thinking a lot about that kid lately. About what little Gerard would have thought if he had been told all his dreams would come true. That he would make it to the Barca first team."

"That he would win every trophy possible. That he would become European Champion. World Champion. That he would play alongside the best players in history. That he would become one of the team's captains. That he would make friends for life. It's been 25 years since I joined Barca."

"I left and came back. Football has given me everything. Barca has given me everything. You, culers, have given me everything. And now that all that kid's dreams have come true, I want to tell you that I've decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end."

"I've always said 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. I will become a regular fan. I will support the team."

"I will pass my love for Barca to my children, like my family did with me. And you know me. Sooner or later, I'll be back. I'll see you at Camp Nou. Visca el Barca. Always."

Pique has played 615 times for Barcelona, scoring 53 goals and dishing out 15 assists.

The defender went through Camp Nou's development programme before departing in 2004 for Manchester United. He spent four years with the 20-time English champions before coming back to his first club.

Pique has enjoyed a hugely successful career at Barcelona, winning eight La Liga championships, three Champions League crowns, and seven Copa del Rey trophies. Last season, he was once again a key player, making 40 appearances across all competitions.

However, the centre defender has had difficulty finding consistent playing time this season, and he may possibly make one last appearance for the team on Saturday night against Almeria.

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