Emotional Gerard Pique waves goodbye to Barcelona as he retires from football | OneFootball

Gerard Pique played his final game in professional football on Saturday night, bringing the curtain down on his illustrious career following Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Almeria.

Pique led the teams out alongside his two sons, Milan and Sasha, on a night their family will never forget.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s players emerged from the Camp Nou tunnel wearing shirts with ‘Pique 3’ in tribute to their retiring teammate.

Video: Pique waves goodbye after his final appearance

Here’s how an emotional Pique said goodbye to Barcelona’s fans on his final appearance as a player after being subbed off in the 83rd minute:

Barcelona players throw Pique in the air

And at the full-time whistle, Pique was thrown into the air by his teammates.

La Liga thank Gerard Pique

There was also a classy touch from La Liga, who flashed up a ‘thank you’ message to the defender on their live coverage at full-time.

What did Pique say after his final appearance?

Pique did a lap of honour and then addressed the Camp Nou crowd.

“As you grow, sometimes you realise that to love is to know when to leave,” he was quoted as saying by Spanish football writer Samuel Marsden. “I love Barça and that’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go, but I am convinced I will be back.”

How did Pique initially announce his retirement?

The 35-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs of his generation, shocked the football world by announcing his retirement earlier this week.

“I’ve always said that there would not be any other team after Barca,” Pique said, confirming the news via a video on social media. “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.”

Long-touted as a potential future president of FC Barcelona, Pique added: “You know me. Sooner or later, I will be back. I’ll see you at the Nou Camp. Long live Barca, always!”

What did Pep Guardiola say about Gerard Pique’s retirement?

Among the high-profile names who reacted to Pique’s announcement earlier this week was Pep Guardiola, Pique’s first manager after returning to Camp Nou from Manchester United in 2008.

“It was surprising news,” Guardiola said, per the Daily Mail. “He was here in England at a young age and after he made an incredible career at Barcelona.

“I wish him all the best. I know his mum and dad, incredible human being – he personality, a player for the big games.

“He never missed one, always performed in a high level. This is what top clubs need.

“The future will be bright because he is a smart guy. It was an honour for me to be his manager.”

How many trophies did Gerard Pique win in his career?

Pique bows out of football having won a remarkable 35 trophies over the course of his 18-year career.

He lifted the Premier League and Champions League with Man Utd (as well as the Community Shield) before moving to Barca, where he won a host of team honours including eight La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

He also won the World Cup and European Championships with Spain.

Only five footballers in history have won more trophies than Pique, Barcelona’s legendary No. 3.