Last night in the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona played against Almeria in matchday thirteen of the La Liga Santander, three days before the game Gerard Pique announced he will be retiring from football which surprised me. I was expecting his exit from the club next season but not this retirement plan. A Lot of Culers have been compelling on Twitter and Instagram about how it's time to let the old guards leave and give way to the upcoming young players since the old guard has lost their touch on the field.
I was never part of those culers(Barcelona fans) who discriminate against any of the old guards( Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Roberto), I only wanted Xavi to make it clear to them that they will have to compete for a spot in the starting lineup if they want to keep being a regular starter for the club.
Pique's decision to retire from football to me was the best because the man has been going through a lot lately, with the divorce of his wife Shakira to another secret conspiracy he was involved in which brought a backlash and questioning about his character and even there were rumors he was involved in Messi's departure from Barcelona, but even with all this conspiracy, there is no doubt he is a legend and part of the Club's history.
Gerard Pique has had a successful career, he has won the La Liga title eight times, Supercopa De Espana six times, Copa Del Rey six times, the Champions League three times, Club world cup three times, super cup twice, won the euros once, won the Fifa world cup once, the English premier league once, league cup, and the community shield. To me, he is a legend and won't be forgotten as one of the greatest defenders to play for FC Barcelona.
Back to the game last night, Barcelona was awarded a penalty in the 7th minute of the first half, Lewandoski was the man who took it but managed to miss it as he played the ball out wide. Barcelona got a lot of chances but lacked the finishing ability, Dembele had a chance in the 39th minute to head the ball into the goalpost but failed and headed the ball to the keeper's hands.
Dembele redeemed himself in the 48th minute of the second half, Sergio Busquets played a long cross from the midfield to Dembele, and the Frenchman with the ball on his feet dribbled past two Almeria defenders and took a shot with his left foot, the ball went into the bottom corner of the goalpost and Barcelona had their first lead of the match.
Barcelona doubled their lead in the 62nd minute, Jordi Alba swung in a cross into the Almeria box, and Ansu Fati went for the goal but the goalkeeper denied him but it was not over as De Jong capitalized on the loose ball and played a shot into the goalposts, given Barcelona their second and last goal of the match.
The match ended and Barcelona took all three points, however, the evening was not over yet as Gerard Pique gave a goodbye speech, it was emotional and for the first time, I saw Pique share tears. The Barca fans and players gave a standing ovation for Pique, and the Barca players for the last time threw him up in the air, and then Pique made his way down the tunnelš¢. Pique will always be remembered and I pray in his new journey he finds peace.
So guys that will be all for now, a big shout out to all the members of the sports community, and thanks once again for stopping by.