Barca’s central defender received numerous compliments after leaving Camp Nou
Gerard Pique felt more protected than ever at Camp Nou this Saturday. The centre-back played his last game on Barca’s fief, on a day when he could see for himself the affection of all the players in the current squad, the coaching staff and some former team-mates. he has had over the years throughout his long career. Everyone had emotional words for a player who will hang up his shoes against Osasuna on Tuesday and who is already a true legend of Barcelona.
15 days. That’s the time that elapsed between the whistle for Piqué against Villarreal and the thunderous ovation the centre-back received against Almeria. In between, there was a surprising farewell and then a wake-up call from Xavi, who did not forget that that move at Camp Nou could have influenced the player’s decision. “Today everything is beautiful, but we have to reconsider that whistling does not help. Piqué leaves us with a very important legacy of leadership, personality and playing without complexes. It’s history, it’s a legend and it has earned this love,” said the Tarrasa coach.
Xavi’s words came after a farewell party that had it all. Piqué couldn’t hold back his tears as he recalled his time at Barcelona and said goodbye to a home, the Camp Nou, which has treated him like one of his right eyes for the past 15 years. “These six months have been very difficult and I think it’s seen. Today was a liberation. I am left with the happiness that I have given everything, that makes me proud. I leave calm, happy and with homework done. It was a great day, it’s a pleasure to say goodbye in this way,” he assured.
It was a special day and after the game there were words of encouragement for Geri from all levels of the club. Busquets, captain of the team and the player who has shared the longest football career with him, also wanted to show him his affection. “Gerard leaves behind a spectacular legacy. He has made Barca one of the best clubs in the world, he has made history. He has done his very best for the team, he is the example of what a club player is and what needs to be done,” he said, visibly moved.
Busquets wasn’t the only one who took advantage of the Camp Nou atmosphere to cheer. Jordi Alba has become one of the mainstays of the centre-back in the squad in recent years and wanted to emphasize the value as a person Barca will no longer have in the dressing room. “The soul has been left behind in every game. Too bad because an important part is gone. We’re going to miss him. He has done a lot for the club. In the end it’s a shame. His absence will be noticed not only in football but also in human terms,” said the Barça side.
Cesc, an old friend
Another footballer who has shared many experiences with Piqué is Cesc Fábregas. The Como midfielder belonged to that historic generation of ’87 that included the centre-back and Leo Messi, who, curiously, has not yet spoken of the farewell to the ‘3’ Barca player. Cesc took an emotional farewell on his social networks along with a photo of both during a Barça-Arsenal match. “Thank you for joining me on this very special journey. I can’t be at Camp Nou in your last game, but there’s no doubt that my heart will be there and my eyes won’t take their eyes off the TV,” assured the Arenys de Mar footballer.
Your grandfather’s darts
Amador Bernabeu, former manager of Barca and Pique’s grandfather, also spoke after the game, leaving disturbing words about why his son has parted ways with the club his entire life. “Piqué would never leave the club hurt. He comes from Barca because we are the whole family, we are culés all our lives, it is our life and our history. People are one thing and the club another,” he said, while he acknowledged that “because of his personality and his way of being he is not a banker.”
Source: La Verdad
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