“The last few weeks, months, people have been talking about me,” Pique said in a video posted across social media. “Until now, I have not said anything, but now I want to be the one who is talking about me.

“Like many of you, I have always been a Barcelona fan. I was born into a football-loving family. From a very young age, I did not want to become a footballer, I wanted to play for Barca.

“Recently, I have thought a lot about that kid. If he had been told he would fulfill all his dreams — that he would play for Barca, that he would win every trophy possible, that he would be a European and world champion.

“That he would play with the best players in history, that he would become one of the team’s captains. … Football has given me everything. You, the fans, have given me everything. And now my childhood dreams have been fulfilled, I want to tell you that I’ve decided that now is the time to bring this journey to an end.

“I have always said that after Barcelona there will be no other team, and that is how it will be. This Saturday’s game will be my last at Camp Nou.

“I will become a regular fan, I will support the team and transmit my love for the club to my kids, as my family did with me. And you know me, sooner or later I will be back. See you at Camp Nou. Visca Barca, always and forever.”

Here’s how ex-girlfriend Shakira reacted

“MONOTONIA 🫀 DETRÁS DE CÁMARAS 🎥 Ya disponible en mi canal de YouTube! Behind the Scenes is now available on my YouTube channel!” wrote Shakira on Instagram, along with a video clip.

The singer remained unfazed by the news, instead, she promoted her latest single in collaboration with Ozuna regarding relationships leaving fans to wonder if the song is meant for Pique

What is next for Gerard Pique?

Pique, who will turn 36 in January, already has a number of other interests outside of football. Through his company, Kosmos, he has revamped the Davis Cup tennis tournament, and he is also the owner of the second-division side Andorra.

He has previously said that he plans to run for Barcelona president once he retires, although in recent years he has suggested that, although that remains an option, it is not something he will definitely pursue.

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