‘Sad’ Real Madrid Fans React As Gerard Pique Announces Retirement From Football

• Real Madrid supporters have taken to social media to express their displeasure, after Gerard Pique announced his decision to retire from football
• The Spanish international's final match for the La Liga giants will be this Saturday against Almeria at Camp Nou
• The former Manchester United defender has spent 14 years with the Blaugrana after a move from Man United in 2008

Some frustrated fans of Real Madrid are unhappy with Gerard Pique, after the Barcelona defender announced his immediate decision to retire from football.

Saturday's La Liga game against Almeria will be the 35-year-old's last for the Blaugrana at Camp Nou.

The central defender has enjoyed a glittering 14 years with Barcelona's first team, following his return from Manchester United in 2008.

He is regarded as one of the most consistent defenders in Catalonia, having formed an instrumental part of Barcelona's golden generation, in addition to winning a European Championship and the World Cup with the national side.

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The centre-back's shocking decision to hang his boots has not gone down well some Real Madrid supporters however, who took to social media to express their displeasure.

How Real Madrid fans reacted:

@Ultra_Suristic tweeted:

"Sad day for all Madridistas as Pique, and our number 1 source of entertainment, decides to retire. A minute of silence for our beloved clown."

@MurtazaBall posted:

"Every loyal Real Madrid fan is saddened by sudden retirement of Gerard Pique, he truly was one of a kind."

@laligafrauds added:

Pique retiring is so bad for Real Madrid. He's going to be fully focused on helping Barcelona rig the league now as he will be spending far more time with Rubiales.

@Levy_T_ tweeted:

I speak for all madrid fans when i say we will miss Pique in elclassico

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Pique: the Madridistas' love-to-hate

Although Pique was integral in Spain's triumph in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European championship, the central defender was far from liked by those from the capital.

The ex-Manchester United man has previously disclosed playing against Real Madrid 'turns him on', as relayed by Bleacher Report.

He has also has taunted Madrid at title celebrations in the past, admitting on several occasions he always wants Los Blancos to lose.

Barcelona board want Pique out

Sports Brief earlier reported that Barcelona were putting pressure on veteran defender Gerard Pique to leave the club before next summer.

The Barcelona board have been looking for ways to offload Pique, in order to make space in their salary cap.

According to Marca, Joan Laporta and his board tried cancelling the centre-back's contact last season, but he was adamant about staying put.