Pep Guardiola responds to the retirement of Gerard Pique by saying, “It was an honor for me to be his manager.”

Following the announcement of his impending retirement, Pep Guardiola referred to Gerard Pique as “a player for the big games.”

The 35-year-old Spanish center defender, who played for his hometown team Barcelona against Almeria on November 5, is planning to put up his boots. In his illustrious playing career, which has seen him win nine domestic league titles, three European Cups, a European Championship, and a World Cup title, this will be his 769th and last professional appearance.

Along with his 102 caps for Spain at international level, he has appeared in 23 games for Manchester United during a brief stay, 28 times for Real Zaragoza, and 615 times for Barcelona, where he has hinted at taking on a role after playing.

Football, he stated in a statement, “has given me everything.” Barcelona has provided for me in every way. Culers, you have provided me with everything. And now that [this] child’s aspirations have been realized, I want to let you know that I’ve decided it’s time to stop this adventure. After Barcelona, there won’t be any other teams, as I have always said.

Culers, us he de dir una cosa. pic.twitter.com/k3V919pm1T

— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) November 3, 2022

My final game at Camp Nou will be this Saturday, he declared. “I’ll start watching regularly. I’ll be there for the group. My children will inherit my love of Barcelona. And you know I’ll be back sooner or later.
More than 30% of the Barça games have been played with Guardiola in charge. Pique, who left for United when he was just a youngster, was one of the first players signed in 2008, the year Guardiola was named first-team coach, and the current City manager has nothing but good things to say about his former student.

He told reporters, “He had an amazing career in Barcelona. “I personally wish him and his family the very best. His parents are people I know. He is a wonderful individual with a strong personality.

“An athlete for the big games, someone who never missed one or didn’t execute to the highest standards. All the clubs need this kind of player to compete with the best teams.

“With Barcelona and the Spanish national team, he was victorious in everything. Everyone’s retirement age comes, but he’ll have a great future because he’s a brilliant guy.

We had a fantastic four years together, and it was an honor for me to be his manager.