Pique says NO to public farewell. Here is the reason why

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique refused the offer of a farewell press conference from club president Joan Laporta. The defender, who has made 615 appearances for the Catalan giants, announced his shock retirement from football on Thursday night. Pique is set to play in Barcelona's La Liga clash with Almeria at the weekend at the Nou Camp before hanging up his boots.

Pique personally informed Laporta last week of his decision to retire, claiming it was in the best interests of himself and the club. Pique has been under pressure to leave as the cash-strapped club aimed to get rid of his high wages, while he has played just nine times in all competition's this season, slipping down Xavi's pecking order at centre-back.

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The president accepted Pique's decision and wanted to reveal the news at a joint farewell press conference at which the player and the club were present. However, the defender rejected this and divulged the news on social media. Pique's decision has been one he has been contemplating for a while.

It came into his thinking when Xavi informed him in the summer that he would no longer be an important player at the club. However, Pique was steadfast in his belief he would be able to turn this around and told the Barcelona boss he would win his first team place back despite the signings of defenders like Jules Kounde,  Andreas Christensen and Alonso in the summer. 

Forced out? 

A big moment for the 35-year-old was Barcelona's 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League, after which he was heavily criticised for his performance. Pique was aware that he hadn't performed well but the level of criticism surprised him. He was also aware that the club promoted some of these smears to force him to leave.