Barcelona boss Xavi has said that he is fully understanding of Gerard Pique's decision to announce his imminent retirement from professional football.
On Thursday evening, Pique revealed that Saturday's La Liga game against Almeria would be his final game at Camp Nou, as he prepares to retire after next week's league contest with Osasuna.
Pique has made 615 appearances for Barcelona during a highly-successful career, and the 35-year-old will now be hoping to feature twice more against Almeria and Osasuna before saying goodbye to the club.
Xavi was asked about his former teammate on Friday, and the team's head coach paid tribute to the experienced centre-back.
"We will try to get the three points and keep the pressure on Real Madrid. This is also a special match for Pique, to whom we will give all our love," Xavi told reporters during his press conference.
© Reuters
"I understand Pique's decision given the circumstances. I have been through it as well, and I wish him all the best. Barcelona fans also rate him as a legend of the club.
"I was fortunate enough to be Pique's teammate. Difficult circumstances forced him to retire. I went through a similar situation and it was only natural for me to step down. Geri had a contract, and decided to leave it, which is a great gesture. He is a legend at the club, and deserves to be recognised as such.
"Pique's personality surprised me. The way he plays, his understanding of football. Even when I was with him, as a player at the age of 22-23, he was very brave, smarter than the rest. For me, he is one of the best defenders I've played with.
"I had a chat with Pique before the start of the season, it was a private conversation. Talking to him was one of the most difficult moments of my coaching career. But we have reached a point in the end where we see the interest of the club above everything else.
"There were decisions that I had to make in the interest of the club and the team. Some of them were not desirable. It was tough about Pique because he's my former teammate. We are grateful to him, but we are making decisions in the interest of the club.
© Reuters
"I have been clear with Pique and sent my message directly about what I believe in. I said earlier that Pique is a role model for the leaders, for the team, and for the future generations. But I have been honest with him since the summer, and it was the circumstances that decided what happened.
"I had no problems with Pique staying, but he made his decision after the conversation we had in the summer. When a player does not play much, the coach is first to blame. That's part of my job, and I have to live with that. It happened previously with Dani Alves as well.
"Pique is one of the best defenders in the history of the sport. It is all about circumstances, we don't choose our ending sometimes. In the end, you appreciate everything related to your role in the team.
"And this is what Pique did, and then made his decision. But I am grateful to him, and I will always remember that he gives everything he has on the field."
Pique has made nine appearances for Barcelona this season, including five outings in La Liga, and he has agreed to terminate his contract despite it having another 18 months left to run.
