Football News: Gerard Pique - Fascinating journey for Spain and Barcelona

The 25-year-old tweeted, "Saturday's match (against Almeria) will be my last at Camp Nou." He reiterated the news in a video clip of the celebrated star recollecting his childhood, where he is portraying his love for Barcelona.

"I wanted to tell you that I've decided the moment has come to end this journey," he remarked. He shared his intention of becoming a superfan and passing on his love for the Blaugrana to his son. "There's no other team after Barca," he quipped. 

The Spaniard signed off on hopeful terms leaving fans with many questions and speculations. His last note, which says, "And sooner or later, I'll be back," garnered a great reaction from his followers. 

Albeit all the attention the news has received, Gerard Pique's current focus is the club's final La Liga fixture before the World Cup. He will visit Osasuna on Tuesday to play his last match for Barcelona. 

As a tribute to the star, president Joan Laporta said, "He is part of the Barca club badge, he will always be a leader for Barca fans, he has clearly demonstrated what Barca love." 

"Pique understands our financial fair play situation and is very willing to help the club," he added.

Reports suggest Gerard Pique might become the president of Barcelona

Despite minor hiccups experienced by the player during his stint at Barcelona, he still vocalised his desire to become the club's future president. They deferred a portion of his salary during the Covid-19 pandemic due to prolonged financial issues at Camp Nou. 

He is believed to let Barcelona off the hook considering their monetary struggles. "A life dedicated to Barca, thank you, Pique," tweeted Barcelona. 

When he was 10, Gerard Pique arrived at Camp Nou and left for Manchester United's academy in 2004, grabbing his maiden Champions League trophy under then-manager Alex Ferguson in 2008.

After his subsequent return to Catalonia in 2008, he led Barca to eight La Liga crowns, seven Copas del Rey and three Champions League titles in 2009, 2011 and 2015.

His skills as a defender sometimes brought in goals too. He netted 52 times in 615 appearances for Barcelona. The prolific centre-back now takes his leave after Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage for the second consecutive season. 

The defender was criticised for a goal Inter Milan scored in a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou, which preceded the news of their elimination. However, Gerard Pique's contributions to Barcelona and football as a sport will not be tainted by a few jabs from angry fans. 

His long career that extends beyond Camp Nou is widely celebrated. He won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship two years later as a crucial player of a glorious Spain side.

Gerrard Pique will not be listed in Spain's squad at the Qatar World Cup this month, having quit in August 2018 with 102 caps and five goals, but his legacy will stay on.