Gerard Pique Rejects Playing in Arabia, Calling Barcelona the Club of His Life, Not Ruling Out Becoming President of La Blaugrana in the Future

Gerard Pique’s decision to retire from football mid-way through last season came as a shock to many. The former Spanish international could have waited till the end of the season to announce his retirement, but he claimed he could no longer deal with a bit-part role in the team. Before his retirement, Pique had not been getting enough minutes on the pitch.

The World Cup winner remains one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. After winning the Champions League with United in 2008, he signed for Barcelona to become part of Guardiola’s team that won the treble in 2009, ironically beating his former club United in the Champions League final.

Pique also has medals from winning the Premier League, League Cup, and FA Community Shield with United.

The ex-Barcelona player also went on to lift the World Cup with Spain in 2010, sealing his spot as one of the best defenders in the world at the time. Pique’s loyalty to Barcelona after re-signing in 2008 remains among the best in the club’s history.

Gerard Pique’s Loyalty to Barca

After coming through the ranks at Barcelona’s famed youth academy La Masia, Pique left for Manchester United before he could sign a professional contract. His return to the Blaguarian team in 2008 marked the start of a successful career in Spain. In his 14 years as a Barcelona player, Pique led the team to two treble-winning campaigns.

Pique has now claimed that even if he were still an active footballer, he would not have gone to play in Saudi Arabia due to his loyalty to Barcelona. He told El Larguero in a recent interview, “They didn’t call me from Arabia, and I wouldn’t have gone either. I always said that the club of my life was, and there I was going to retire.”

He also relishes his chance to be the president of the club someday. “I see a long way to be president of Barca. I’m not saying no, but I see it far away,” he added.

How Long Did Pique Play for Barcelona?

Despite being in the club’s youth system, Barcelona lost Gerard Pique to Manchester United, where he played for four years, bar a season-long loan to Zaragoza, before making a switch back to Barcelona in 2008. Alongside Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami in the MLS, Pique won a lot at Barcelona, including two trebles.

Pique spent 14 years at Camp Nou and won 30 trophies, including eight La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.