Gerard Piqué announced today that he is retiring from pro football essentially effective immediately. He’s going to play his final game at Barcelona this Saturday. Why is the defender making such an unexpected decision? Is Saturday really the last day that we’re going to see him playing a professional game? There’s not a lot of information that has been leaked so far, but we’re going down the rabbit hole of some of the popular conspiracy theories that have emerged after this sudden announcement.
His Separation Is The Reason That He’s Retiring
This is the leading theory as to why the retirement announcement came so suddenly. Gerard Pique, and his long time partner singer Shakira have been involved in a very public split after about a decade together. The pair were actually never legally married, so they’ve tried to work out the terms of their separation amongst themselves before getting a judge involved. What does this all have to do with Pique leaving Barcelona? Well it’s been speculated that Shakira wants to move to Miami with the kids. Pique freeing himself from the commitment that tied him to the city of Barcelona for obvious reasons would allow him to spend more time in the United States with his kids. This theory would clearly explain why he just wasn’t willing to finish the season and end his career over the summer. The second theory though is more linked to what we usually talk about which is the game itself!
The Shakira Relationship Is Not The Only One That Has Broken Down For Pique
His relationship with his now former life partner is potentially not the only one that has broken down as of late. It’s no secret that Barcelona head coach Xavi is a demanding character. One of the first things that he did when he arrived at Camp Nou to take the reins of the team was forbid Pique from attending personal sponsor events during the week. That hurt Pique’s pocket, and then he would go on to hurt Pique’s pride.
This season amidst injuries, and abysmal play Xavi has decided to keep Pique on the bench on multiple occasions. Even on days when he was seemingly healthy. His declining level of play and the constant criticism from the media may have gotten to Pique. He actually references the critics in his farewell video. For his part, Xavi is already actively looking for a long term replacement for his former teammate. Pique had chosen to reduce his salary to stay on the team, but with all of these things piling up he must have realized that it was just time to step away.
This May Not Be The Last We See Of Gerard Piqué In Professional Football
In his farewell video Pique does say that Barca will be his last professional club. So if we take him at his word he’s done. There are a couple of things though that make us believe that he may walk that decision back. Number one retired life can be hard on former athletes. Particularly those going through as much personal turmoil as Pique is going through. Take a look at Tom Brady as the perfect example. You’re not only breaking up with your long time partner, but you’re leaving your job of 25 years? It seems even unhealthy to do both of those things at once.
Retirement though and a settlement with Barcelona can give Pique a perfect out from his current contract situation. As we mentioned his contract situation with the club was kind of murky to begin with. Don’t be surprised if he finds himself playing for Inter Miami or another Florida based MLS club next season. As of Saturday night though Gerard Piqué will officially become a former player.
Culers, us he de dir una cosa. pic.twitter.com/k3V919pm1T
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) November 3, 2022
