Pep Guardiola: Man City Boss Delivers Passionate Tribute to Gerard Pique Who Retires This Weekend

• Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Barcelona defender Gerard Pique who recently announced his retirement
• Guardiola said it was an honour to coach the defender for four seasons
• Pique announced that he will hang his boots on Saturday after Barcelona's match versus Almeria

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has paid a heartfelt tribute to Barcelona defender Gerard Pique who will hang up his boots this Saturday, November 5th.

The 35-year-old said Barcelona's match against Almeria will be his last for the Catalan club he has represented for 14 years.

Pique enjoyed a trophy-laden career under Man City boss Pep Guardiola. Under the Spanish tactician, Pique won the treble in the 2008-09 season and the Champions League title in 2011, according to ESPN.

Moreover, he leaves wing eight La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues trophies in a hugely successful career.

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The central defender also won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship playing a pivotal role for his country. He won 102 caps before retiring after the 2018 World Cup.

Pep tribute to Pique

Guardiola's central defensive partnership of Pique and ex-Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol was considered the best in the world at some point, as they swept aside Spain and Europe.

Guardiola has showered praise on his former player, saying he shares a deep relationship with him.

"After make an incredible career in Barcelona. I wish him personally all the best for him and his family. I know his mum and dad, incredible human being, huge personality, according to MEN.

Guardiola added that coaching the defender was the honour of his coaching career.

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"A player for the big games, never miss once or behave or performance not in the highest level. All the big clubs need these players. Win everything for Barcelona and Spain. The time arrives, the future will be bright, he's a smart guy. An honour to be his manager, we spend an incredible 4 years together."

Pique forfeits salary

Sports Brief earlier reported on Pique forfeiting 30 million Euros owed to him by Barcelona after announcing his retirement.

Pique had 18 months remaining on his current Barcelona contract, which was due to expire in June 2024.

The 35-year-old defender was one of Barcelona’s highest earners and saw the gesture as a way of easing the club's financial woes.