Arteta Salutes Pique After Shocking Retirement

Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, during a post-game news conference, hailed Gerard Pique after hearing about his shocking retirement.

Naija News previously reported that the 35-year-old Barcelona’s defender had said on Thursday that his spectacular career will come to an end after this weekend’s match at Spotify Camp Nou against Almeria.

The former Manchester United defender  who has made 615 appearances for the Barca has won three Champions Leagues and eight La Liga titles.

Also, Pique has won two major international competitions with Spain, which includes the Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup.

The footballing community was caught off guard by the announcement, especially his teammates and coaching staffs.

Following Arsenal’s 1-0 Europa League victory against FC Zurich, Arteta was questioned about Pique’s retirement.

The Spanish manager turned to face Arsenal’s press representative to ask for clarification after hearing from a reporter.

The Spaniard then turned to face the reporter, laughed and said, “I just found that out – I will remember that you gave me the news!

“[He’s had] an incredible career and an incredible character. He’s given so much to this game… and he will be missed because I think he was a world-class player.”

Pique has only played three games since the summer arrival of Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde.