Mikel Arteta's reaction to Gerrard Pique's retirement announcement goes viral

• Gerard Pique revealed he was going to hang his football boots after Barcelona’s game against Almeria
• The Spain international took to social media to make the shock announcement
• Arteta was speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over Zurich and he looked to be in genuine disbelief

Mikel Arteta was briefly left speechless after learning about the retirement plans of Barcelona legend Gerard Pique during a press conference.

Pique shocked the football world on Thursday, November 3 after taking to social media to announce his football career was coming to an end.

“I want to tell you that I’ve decided that now is the time to bring this journey to an end,” Pique, 35, said on social media.

“I’ve always said that there would not be any team after Barca and that’s how it will be.

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According to the veteran defender, Barcelona’s game against Almeria would be the last one of his career, but he reiterated he would always support the Catalan club.

“And you know me. Sooner or later I’ll be back. See you at the Camp Nou. Long live Barca, always.” He added.

Not many saw the announcement coming, and among those that were left stunned was the Arsenal manager.

In his post-match press conference, Arteta was brought to speed on Pique’s decision and his reaction was interesting.

At first, he looked to the side as if to confirm whether he had heard correctly. Once he eventually collected himself, he hailed Pique as an “incredible character”.

“Wow,” he started. as quoted on TalkSport.

“I don’t know what to say just that he has had an incredible career, he’s an incredible character. I think he has given so much to this game and if he has made that decision then he has thought a lot about it.”

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“He will be missed because I think he was a top, world-class player.”

Pique rose up the ranks at the Barcelona academy before eventually kicking off his football career with Manchester United in 2004.

He returned to Barcelona after a brief stint with United and at the heart of Barca’s defence, he helped the side win eight La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Mikel Arteta not interested in Barcelona move

Sports Brief also earlier reported on Mikel Arteta’s final stance on the Barcelona job.

Barcelona has identified Arteta as a long-time replacement for current manager Xavi, after he yet again failed to guide the Catalans to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

But as per latest reports, Arteta has disclosed that he is happy with his present job at Arsenal, insisting Barcelona are on a good path with Xavi in charge.