Fans have slammed claims from Jermaine Pennant and Jamie O'Hara that Gerard Pique isn't one of the all time greats following the announcement of his retirement.
After 14 years at Barcelona, Pique is finally calling time on his career aged 35, following a highly successful career.
Highlights for the defender include winning the World Cup and European Championships with Spain as well as the Champions League three times and La Liga eight times with Barca.
His CV speaks for itself, but according to TalkSport pundits Jamie O'Hara and Jermaine Pennant, those achievements are not enough to solidify himself as one of the best defenders of all time.
Advert
Pennant, the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder, refused to put Pique up there: “As a player, I’m not pointing to Gerard Pique as one of the greats.”
O'Hara, who is known for outlandish claims on the radio show, made another claim, saying “It helps if you have Messi, Puyol, Iniesta and Xavi… he was probably the worst player in that Barca side!”
The claims got worse during a call with a fan, when O'Hara claimed that 'it helps to have Lionel Messi in your team' despite the fact Pique won countless individual awards across his career specifically for his defending such as being crowned the best defender in La Liga in the 2009/10 season.
One fan commented: 'It’s like the John terry Robby savage argument. Pennant and O’Hara have no right to criticise anyone of that elite level. Both absolute clowns.'
Whilst another was quick dismiss the claims from the two ex-Premier League players: 'You’re literally getting guys who played for Billericay Town at 30 years old talk about one of the most decorated decorated footballers in football history! This has gotta be a wind up!'
Pique leaves Barcelona at a time where the club is financially still in turmoil - he's also reportedly given up 30m that he's owed from the club.
This is because he is contracted at the club until 2024, and has decided to renounce the money he's owed.
"Football has given me everything," Pique said in a video announcing he is hanging up his boots imminently.
After making only three starts this season, he's fallen behind the young contingent of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and even Marcos Alonso, who's surprisingly sat in at centre-back on occasion.
His final game will be his 616th for Barca against Almeria this weekend, in what is likely to be an emotional farewell for the legend who won a total of 35 trophies from his time at Barca, Manchester United and Spain.
Simply put, what a career Gerard Pique has had.
Topics: Gerard Pique, Football, Barcelona
George Priestman