Xavi described Gerard Pique’s retirement as “the law of life” and confirmed it could prompt Barcelona to dive back into the transfer market in January.
At the age of 35, and with a reduced role this season, Pique has taken it upon himself to call time on his career, rather than see out a contract that was due to run through to 2024.
Head coach Xavi has accepted his decisions have led to this point, having made it clear to Pique in pre-season he would not be a regular starter.
Pique will play his final Camp Nou game on Saturday, providing he is involved against Almeria, and has told Xavi he will also be available to face Osasuna in an away game on Tuesday.
The season then goes on hold as the World Cup takes over, and Pique will say his farewells to his boyhood club, for whom he has played over 600 games.
Barcelona will move on without him, and Xavi said: “Now we need to build a new generation. A lot of young players are gaining importance. It’s a new era.
“We hope this is a new generation that gives a lot to the club. It’s a shame when you see great team-mates and friends who are saying goodbye to football.
“It’s a sad thing to see, it makes you nostalgic, but it’s the law of life, and it will happen to everyone.”
Xavi believes Pique, who already has substantial business interests, could be a future Barcelona president.
“Gerard can be whatever he wants,” said Xavi, when that notion was put to him. “For the ability he’s got, the leadership, the personality he transmits, he can be whatever he wants. He’s got abilities without doubt.
“He’s super competitive, intelligent, he’s got an amazing intellectual capacity, much more than normal.”
15 – @3gerardpique 🇪🇸 has played 15 seasons for @FCBarcelona 🔵🔴 (as many as Gonzalvo III, Puyol & S. Busquets). Only six players have played during more campaigns for them: Carles Rexach, Xavi, Messi (all 3 with 17), Salvador Sadurní, Migueli & Iniesta (all 3 with 16). Legend. pic.twitter.com/EGjWW0Umac
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 3, 2022
With Pique on his way out, Barcelona will be one defender short of where Xavi would like them. He had hoped Pique would stay on, but instead he confirmed talks will take place about the possibility of making a new signing.
“We’ll see. Now Gerard’s leaving, yes maybe,” Xavi said in his press conference on Friday.
“We’ll have a meeting after the match against Osasuna to plan a little bit. We’ll have time to plan with Mateu [Alemany, sporting director] and the president [Joan Laporta].”
Xavi played in the same team as Pique for seven years from 2008 to 2015, winning three Champions Leagues together and abundant domestic honours. They were also Spain team-mates for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs.
🎙 Xavi: “Piqué deserves all the praise from the Culers” pic.twitter.com/2IYjbaef8g
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 4, 2022
Source: Livescore