Gerard Pique’s untimely announcement of retirement took most football fans by surprise. Despite having a contract until June 2024, most expected the decorated defender to stay with Barcelona at least until the end of this season. But no. He’s gone – and it wasn’t entirely his decision.The only thing that’s 100% Pique is the strange timing. During his career, he showed many times that his social media announcements often go against his club’s wishes – especially when it comes to timing. But in terms of his retirement – the club must be delighted.End of an absolutely legendary career. Thank You Gerard Piqué! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/GRTCgZbnA7— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) November 3, 2022 Behind the usual public relations-inspired niceties, Barcelona directors couldn’t wait to see the back of Pique. He is no longer the player he used to be – and it’s been a while since his performances haven’t been top-class. But it’s hardly his fault the club had given him such a long contract. Speaking of the contract, it was one of the reasons the club did everything to force Pique out. Simply put, they often reminded the public that the contracts of highly-paid veterans such as Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are holding Barcelona back financially. Burdened by irresponsibly high salaries, the Catalans’ financial state put an end to the period of their domination in world football.In the past year, Pique was often talked about as one of the culprits for Barcelona’s poor finances. Besides, his former teammate and current head coach Xavi Hernandez told him openly that he wouldn’t be considered a starter. In fact, Pique was at the back of the pecking order at Camp Nou. Once irreplaceable, the centre-back has become unwanted at his beloved club.##NAJAVA_MECA_6787184##For a while, he tried to remain professional and to honour his contract, hoping the club would do the same. But it became clear that it would only get worse for him at the place he called home for the past 15 years, the club he’d supported since he was a boy. He decided to get away from all the toxicity and save his pride – even if it meant giving up on around $30 million in wages. At the same time, the club will save more than $50 million in expenses. Sadly, it’s only thing that matters these days.The Pique file: 142 million euros for five years at Nou CampTo add to Pique’s predicament, he endured the infamy of a rather public divorce from his celebrity wife, Shakira. The pop star caught the footballer cheating and ended their marriage. The duo had been together for 11 years before calling it quits in June. They have had two children together and at one point, were seen as one of the most influential celebrity couples in the world. Now, there is only bitterness.Pique will end his professional playing career this weekend and dedicate himself to numerous business ventures. Life indeed goes on – even for the guy who’s had two divorces in a year.
