After abruptly announcing his retirement from professional football, Gerard Pique has shocked the football world.
His choice is being met with harsh criticism for his performances, which caused him to slip behind Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and even Marcos Alonso in the hierarchy of competitors.
Pique has decided to retire as a result, and this weekend will be his final game for Barcelona.
Pique has “renounced” the money he was owed by FC Barcelona in addition to declaring his retirement, according to El Larguero (h/t Reshad Rehman).
Pique is currently among the Barcelona team’s highest-paid players. However, he hasn’t put in enough effort lately to justify his hefty salary. In an effort to assist Barcelona free up some cash earlier in the season, the defender even refused to take a pay cut.
However, the unexpected 35-year-old’s decision to “renounce” his debts in addition to his announcement of retirement may be a significant plus for Barca.
It should make it possible for the Catalans to release some of their salary cap, which would allow them to make transfers for younger players. With Pique gone, Barça might even try to sell another seasoned player in Jordi Alba.
The left-contract back’s does not expire until 2024, but Barcelona may be better off without him if they can use the money saved to strengthen some of their squad’s weaker positions, such as right-back.
The retirement of Pique may even prompt Barcelona to look for a new center-back. It has been suggested that Inigo Martinez is one of the targets, although it is unclear at this point whether the club would spend big money on the Athletic Club center-back in January.
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