![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/mikel-arteta-speechless-after-being-blindsided-during-arsenal-press-conference/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1_MIRRORARTETA.jpg&description=Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was speaking to reporters after his side secured safe passage to the Europa League round-of-16 with a nervy home win over FC ZurichMikel Arteta was taken aback at the news of Gerard Pique's retirement Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was unable to hide his surprise when he discovered the news of Gerard Pique's imminent retirement. The Barcelona legend announced on Thursday that he will be calling time on his storied career, following this weekend's game with Almeria. Pique has played 615 times for the Blaugrana winning every major club honour including eight LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues. 'It is the moment to end this stage of my life. I always said that after Barcelona there will be no other club, and that is the way it is going to be,' he posted on his social media channels. 'I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barca to my children, like my family did with me. And you know me, sooner or later, I will be back.' The 35-year-old's announcement came just before the Gunners' final Europa League group game, as Kieran Tierney's goal earned them the 1-0 win needed to top the pool. Arteta, five years the senior of Pique, also came through Barcelona's famous La Masia academy and was full of praise for the central defender after missing the news while preparing for the match. The Gunners boss was asked for his thoughts on Pique's retirement during his post-match press conference and his facial expressions made it clear it had come as a shock. After clarifying the question with his press officer, he said: "I just found that out - I will remember that you gave me the news!' Barcelona legend Pique has announced he will retire from professional football ( Europa Press via Getty Images) When told his final game would be this weekend, a stunned Arteta added: 'Wow! I don't know what to say. [He's had] an incredible career and an incredible character. "He's given so much to this game… and he will be missed b){kind=link}
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was speaking to reporters after his side secured safe passage to the Europa League round-of-16 with a nervy home win over FC Zurich
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was unable to hide his surprise when he discovered the news of Gerard Pique’s imminent retirement.
The Barcelona legend announced on Thursday that he will be calling time on his storied career, following this weekend’s game with Almeria. Pique has played 615 times for the Blaugrana winning every major club honour including eight LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues.
“It is the moment to end this stage of my life. I always said that after Barcelona there will be no other club, and that is the way it is going to be,” he posted on his social media channels.
“I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love for Barca to my children, like my family did with me. And you know me, sooner or later, I will be back.”