Gerard Pique broke down in tears as he gave an emotional speech after playing his final game at Camp Nou for Barcelona in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Almeria.
Pique, 35, promised he would be back at the club in some capacity in the future but said that sometimes loving something so much means you have to know when to let go.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
The defender captained Barca on his 616th appearance for the club against Almeria — playing 83 minutes before being substituted to a standing ovation — and could make one more before retirement when Xavi Hernandez’s side travel to Osasuna on Tuesday before LaLiga breaks for the World Cup.
“In life, as you grow older, sometimes to love is to let go,” said Pique, before he started to cry as he spoke in the middle of the Camp Nou pitch after performing a lap of honour.
“A relationship of so much love, so much passion, I think it is the moment to give ourselves some space. That is why I think it is the right moment to go, because I love this club.
“I am convinced that I will be back in the future. This is not a goodbye, I left when I was 17 [for Manchester United] and I came back. My grandad made me a member when I was born. I was born here and I will die here.”
