Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique has announced his retirement from football when the club competitions standstill for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The sudden announcement by Pique has shocked the football fraternity including Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta.
During an interview on Thursday, a reporter asked Mikel Arteta to comment on Gerard Pique's shocking retirement announcement from football. Surprised Gunner boss replied, "I just find out. So, thank you for giving me this news."
Additionally, the reporter told Arteta that Pique will play his last game this weekend. The Spanish coach stunned to learn about the 35-year-old defender's immediate retirement call as he said, "At the weekend? Wow."
Arteta went on to praise the 2010 World Cup winner and said, "I don't know what to say, an incredible career, incredible character. I think he is so much to this game and if he has made the decision then I'm sure he has thought about it and he will be missed because he is a world class player."
Watch Mikel Arteta's shocking reaction:
Apart from Arteta, former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol took to Twitter and reacted on Pique's shocking retirement announcement with a casual picture with the defender. Puyol wrote, "Thanks for everything, Geri. I'm in shock. It has been very unfair to you, few have defended the Barça shirt as you have. I will always be able to explain that I played alongside you, a privilege. I love you friend."
This season, Pique made only 3 appearances for FC Barcelona in the La Liga and it has been reported he has fallen out favour from manager Xavi and President Laporta. In addition to his world cup victory, Pique has won four UEFA Champions League trophies, eight La Liga titles, three FIFA Club World Cups with Barcelona.