Picture Credit: Twitter
Gerard Pique played his last professional game on Saturday as he walked out for Barcelona against Almeria in La Liga. The Spanish footballer was emotional as he led the teams out alongside his two sons, Milan and Sasha. His special day was made even more special by his teammates as they emerged from the Camp Nou tunnel wearing shirts with ‘Pique 3’ in tribute to their retiring teammate.
Pique had his moments on the field as he stayed on for 83 minutes. However, he had to go off after that. But the Barca defender ensured he says goodbye to his fans the right way. When Pique was informed by the on-field referee that he has been subbed, the defender had tears in his eyes as he hugged his teammates, the referee, and then bid adieu to everyone at the venue.
After the match got over, Barcelona players joined hands to toss Pique in the air as a part of their sendoff celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Spanish league thanked Pique for his contributions to the growth of Spanish league by flashing up a ‘thank you’ message to the defender on their live coverage at full-time.
I am convinced I will be back: Pique
After all these rituals, Gerard Pique did a lap of honour and then addressed the Camp Nou crowd. In his speech after the final whistle, the Barca defender said that he knew when to leave but he is convinced he will be back.
“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.”
