Tears at the Nou Camp

I was born here and I will die here, says Pique at final Barca outing

GERARD PIQUE played his last game at the Nou Camp yesterday in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Almeria and told fans he would be back during an emotional speech. The 35-year-old centreback, who has won 30 trophies with the club, including three Champions League titles and eight La Ligas, will retire from football after Wednesday’s visit to Osasuna.

Pique, who was cheered by fans throughout the game after more than 14 years in Barcelona’s firstteam squad, enjoyed a lap of honour at the end of the game and was tossed into the air by his teammates, as over 92,000 fans stayed in Nou Camp to pay homage to him.

“Thanks to my teammates, the staff and everyone who helps us to make everything so easy,” Pique said in a speech to the supporters after the game.

“To the board as well, for these years. When you get older, sometimes loving is letting go.

“After a relationship of such love and passion, I think it was the moment to leave some space, to give some air. I am sure in the future I will be back here again.

“It’s not a goodbye. I left after 17 years to get some air. My grandfather made me a club member. I was born here and I will die here.”

Pique, who won the 2010 World Cup and

2012 Euros with Spain, shed tears during his speech, and also kicked a ball around on the pitch with his children as fans finally departed.

He received some individual accolades at a private reception in

Nou from president Joan Laporta and the board, before speaking on television again.

“Your career is a lot of years, games titles, but what you keep with you are the friendships, the nights, playing in the World Cup, the Euros,” Pique told DAZN.

“The trophies are there, they are a number, they are metal, but what stays with you are the friendships.”

The defender, who has previously said he would like to be Barcelona president in the future, said he would take some time away from the club, but again pointed out a return was inevitable.

“I’ve got a thousand things to do, I’ll get organised,” said Pique, who has already moved into sport related business.

He is a founder and president of Kosmos Holdings which has revamped the Davis Cup in tennis, is involved in lower-league football clubs in Spain and Andorra and has bought some international football TV rights.

“This is my home, at some point I will return. It’s the moment to part ways for a time and come back stronger. I’ll enjoy some time with my family and friends, I’m looking forward to starting my new life.

“(Being replaced) was a weight off my shoulders, the last few months have not been easy. I go with the satisfaction that I’ve given everything.

“Sometimes it goes better, sometimes worse, but I’ve given everything. That makes me proud. I’m leaving calmly, happily, with my homework done.” – AFP