Barcelona legend and product of the club’s renowned La Masia academy, Gerard Piqué, shared his thoughts on potentially returning to the club in a different capacity.
The former Spanish international, who retired from professional football in November 2022, played his final match in a 2-0 LaLiga victory over Almería at Camp Nou.
Piqué’s illustrious career with Barcelona spanned 14 years, beginning in 2008 when he returned to the Catalan giants after a four-year spell at Manchester United.
During his time at the club, Piqué cemented his legacy as one of football’s elite defenders, amassing an impressive trophy haul that includes three UEFA Champions League titles, eight LaLiga championships, and seven Copa del Reys.
Over 616 appearances in all competitions, he contributed 53 goals and 13 assists—a remarkable feat for a center-back.
In an interview with the Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Piqué reflected on his journey and hinted at his future ambitions, which might involve a return to football in a non-playing role.
Speaking about his post-retirement plans, he said via Football Espana, “Later, perhaps, I will return to football doing something different. I’m not interested in being a coach, 20 years of routine has saturated me. I needed to change. Many years between Manchester United and Barcelona, playing every three days, ends up making you saturated. I have beautiful memories, I was lucky and I won a lot and I fulfilled my dream as a child, to play at the Camp Nou.”
Since hanging up his boots, Piqué has been channeling his energy into leading the innovative Kings League, a seven-a-side football competition blending sport with entertainment, where he serves as CEO.
In the same interview, Piqué reminisced about the iconic Pep Guardiola era at Barcelona.
Guardiola, who managed the club from 2008 to 2012, oversaw what is widely regarded as Barca’s golden period, a time when the club redefined modern football.
Reflecting on his time under the legendary coach, Piqué said, “We had incredible talents, but the most extraordinary thing was the combination with Pep. We arrived together, me as a player and him as a coach. There were Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Busquets, all made at La Masia. We had always known each other and everything was natural.”
He further elaborated on Guardiola’s unique capabilities, adding, “On a tactical and strategic level he is a genius, he knows how to read games, he gives you the necessary tools to attack and defend. And in the transmission of the motivational message he is unattainable, he kept our concentration high for years.”
Guardiola’s tenure at Barcelona was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by the historic treble in the 2008-09 season.
Over four years, he guided the team to two UEFA Champions League titles, three LaLiga crowns, and two Copa del Reys, achieving 179 wins in 247 matches.
His work at Barca laid the foundation for one of the most dominant periods in the history of club football, with Piqué playing a central role in its success.
