• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
A stunned Mikel Arteta found out about Gerard Pique's retirement halfway through his press conference

Home> Football

Updated 07:52 4 Nov 2022 GMTPublished 07:46 4 Nov 2022 GMT

A stunned Mikel Arteta found out about Gerard Pique's retirement halfway through his press conference

Arteta was full of praise.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was shocked to learn of Gerard Pique's retirement halfway during a post-match press conference.

On Thursday, Barcelona defender Pique announced he would be bringing his illustrious career to a close following this weekend's game with Almeria at Spotify Camp Nou.

The 35-year-old has made 615 appearances for the Catalan giants, winning eight La Liga titles plus three Champions Leagues.

Advert

At international level, Pique won the 2010 World Cup in addition to Euro 2012 with Spain.

It's an announcement which took the footballing world off guard, including those working within it. Arteta was asked about Pique following his side's 1-0 victory over FC Zurich in the Europa League.

After being told by a reporter, Arteta looked towards Arsenal's press officer to clarify the question.

Advert

The former Gunners midfielder then looked back at the journalist before joking: "I just found that out - I will remember that you gave me the news!

"[He’s had] an incredible career and an incredible character. He’s given so much to this game… and he will be missed because I think he was a world-class player."

Pique's game time has been limited this season. (Image
Alamy)

Pique had slipped down the pecking order at Barcelona following the summer arrivals of Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde.

Advert

He's started three games in La Liga all season, which has seen him opt out of his contract with over 18 months remaining.

The ex-Manchester United man confirmed his decision in a video shared on social media.

"Football has given me everything," said Pique, who could launch a bid to become the Blaugrana's president in the future.

"Barcelona has given me everything. You, culers (Barcelona fans), have given me everything.

"And now that [this] kid's dreams have come true, I want to tell you that I've decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end."

Advert

He added: "I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barca to my children, like my family did with me. And you know me, sooner or later, I will be back."

Barcelona are currently second in La Liga, one point behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Featured Image Credit: Football Daily & Alamy

Topics: Gerard Pique, Mikel Arteta, Barcelona, Arsenal

Daniel Marland
Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

X

@DanMarland_

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
3 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • 2 hours ago

    Ex-Chelsea wonderkid tipped to be 'football's next big thing' announces shock retirement from football

    The player made seven appearances for Chelsea and was once compared to Eden Hazard.

    Football
  • 3 hours ago

    Alexander Isak 'cut price tag' revealed as Liverpool deal with Newcastle 'in play'

    The Newcastle United forward has attracted interest from several top clubs this summer.

    Football
  • 5 hours ago

    Xabi Alonso has found the new Luka Modric for Real Madrid and it could be the signing of the summer

    The Real Madrid boss could be set to replace the veteran midfielder, who will leave the club later this summer.

    Football
  • 6 hours ago

    Odds slashed on Lionel Messi's next club as clear favourite emerges after huge news drops on Inter Miami star's future

    Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami.

    Football
  • Mikel Arteta gives one-word response to Roy Keane's 'small team' comments about Arsenal during press conference
  • Pep Guardiola has delivered a press conference for the ages by declaring war on Arsenal and Mikel Arteta
  • Fabian Hurzeler dismantles Mikel Arteta's comments about Declan Rice red card in explosive press conference
  • Arsenal source reveals Mikel Arteta was 'seriously unhappy' with one thing the club did last summer