Xavi explains the reasons for Piqué’s retirement: “He plays less, he feels less useful”

Gerard Piqué’s story as a footballer for FC Barcelona is close to coming to an end. Last Thursday, in news that surprised the world, the Catalan announced his retirement from this sport and the messages of appreciation towards him were immediate. Already this Friday, at a press conference, the coach of the Catalans, Xavi Hernández, also spoke and explained the reasons for the difficult decision.

“He deserves all the praise from Barcelona fans. I have been lucky to be his teammate and coach. Adverse circumstances have made him decide to quit. He plays less, feels less useful and wants to step aside. He honors you very much. He had a contract and could have continued charging, but he has decided this. I wish him the best and I hope that Barcelona fans value him for what he is: a legend.” Indian.

Likewise, the 42-year-old strategist revealed that he had a dialogue with Piqué in the middle of the year and, in that meeting, he would have told the footballer his idea regarding the few opportunities he would have to play.

“We had a conversation in the summer, I told him my intentions. It was one of the most difficult days of my coaching career and now too, he was my partner. It has happened to all of us, when there comes a time when you do not feel so useful, it is not easy to manage. We found out this week.” commented.

Xavi, in the prelude to the match against Almería, which will mean Piqué’s farewell from the Camp Nou, declared that he expects a special atmosphere to say goodbye to the Catalan. “It’s an extra motivation, his farewell, to give him the three points, that he leaves with good feelings. And let them applaud and chant her name. May it be a great day for the club and especially for Piqué. Without it we lose leadership, commitment, courage. For me, he is one of the great centre-backs in history”, pointed.

Finally, Hernández did not ensure Piqué’s ownership against Almería, although he did leave open the possibility of seeking to incorporate a central defender in the winter transfer market (January 2023). “We will analyze it after the Osasuna game“, he pointed.