Gerard Pique announces Barcelona departure

Gerard Pique has announced he is leaving Barcelona and will play his final game at Camp Nou on Saturday.

Pique confirmed the shock move on Thursday, revealing in a video posted on social media that the clash with Almeria at Camp Nou will be his last.

Pique has made only three starts in La Liga under manager and former teammate Xavi this season, with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and even Marcos Alonso in favour in central defence.

In a video posted on social media, Pique said: “The last few weeks, months, lots of people have been talking about me. Until now, I haven’t said anything. But now I want to be the one who talks.

"I have always said that after Barça there would be no other team and that is how it will be. This Saturday will be my last game at Camp Nou.

“I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barça to my children, like my family did with me."

Pique also says "I''ll be back" while staring up at the directors box at Camp Nou.

Pique made over 600 appearances for Barça after rejoining the club from Manchester United, winning eight La Liga titles as well as three Champions Leagues.

Barcelona have been attempting to recover from the past few years' economic turmoil, with Pique one of a handful of players to accept a pay cut. High-earners were pressured at Barça over the summer to leave the club and rescind their extortionate contracts, though stars like Frenkie de Jong and Marc-Andre ter Stegen ended up remaining in Catalonia.