The Real Reason Why Pique Ended His Career

The Real Reason Why Pique Ended His Career
Gerard Pique, one of the main factors of Barcelona's success in the 21st century, has announced his retirement! What’s even more shocking, he announced the matter right in the middle of the season! In today’s episode we are about to find out the reasons behind the Spaniard’s sudden decision, his motives and plans for the future.
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Reasons
The news of Pique's retirement from professional football came as a thunderbolt out of the blue.
“I've always said that there wouldn't be any other team after Barca and that's how it will be. Football has given me everything. Barca has given me everything. You, the cultists, have given me everything. And now that all of my dreams have come true I want to tell you I have decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end,” Pique said in a touching farewell video he posted on his social media platforms.
Immediately after the post, rumours began to spread across the Internet dwelling upon the reason for such a turn of events. In fact, the Spaniard’s choice to hang out his boots was most likely influenced by a combination of factors eventually merged together in the whole picture.
The first and most obvious reason for anyone who has ever played football is the lack of gaming minutes. Indeed, out of 18 appearances Gerrard made for Blaugrana this season, he started only in 5 of them. The Catalans’ list of injury blows should also be taken into consideration, especially in the centre-back area, so Pique might not have been having these minutes either.
Another reason that emerges from the previous one is his current relationship with Xavi, which, according to various reports, have significantly deteriorated in recent months. Sure, the veteran could not simply accept the role of a deep substitute, while the coach was not going to bet on a guy who did not meet his requirements.
Apart from that, a theory circulates that Pique's days at Barca have come to an end because of Messi. In other words, the Argentine agreed to return to Barcelona only on the condition of Pique’s absence at Barca camp. Such a peculiar demand could be seen as some kind of hit back, because apparently it was Gerard who advised Laporta to let Messi go in 2021 in order to cope with the difficult financial situation. He is even credited with saying the following words directly to the club’s president: “Let Messi go, so then you will have no problems with the FFP.”
Among other things, Gerard's choice was also likely influenced by the attitude of the fans who booed him at Camp Nou after he came on as a substitute against Villarreal. Pique, as well as Busquets, had to take all fans’ rage upon their shoulders allegedly for their unwillingness to take a pay cut and help the team in a tough situation.
“I called for unity. It's time to be together. All I can say is that in the dressing room he is an example. And he's a great captain. People need to know that. I don't know why they whistle and I don't care either...,” Xavi was clearly not satisfied with cules’ behaviour.
Also, the aspects of the unforeseen retirement could have included the player's adductor muscle, the injury of which сontiniously disturbed the old-timer last year.
In addition to purely football-related reasons, there is the one from private life, which cannot be ignored. Some assume Pique is still psychologically shattered after his breakup with Shakira, with whom they lived together for 10 years, and in a relationship with whom he ended up having two children. Not only was the situation painful for Gerard himself, but it was loudly discussed in the media, constantly covered with new details and gossip, only adding psychological pressure on the player and preventing him from concentrating on the game.
Journalist Helena Condis notes that aside from problems with football, Gerard was also affected by problems with the media he faced in recent weeks. Besides, Pique seemed to be offended by Joan Laporta, but decided not to give it much publicity for the benefit of the club.
Yet another theory that may have tipped Pique's scales towards his conclusion lies in the legal sphere. The fact is that the Kosmos company, which belongs to Gerard, helped the Spanish Football Federation to arrange the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. A whole epic was connected with this particular event, but we would like to leave it for another day.
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