![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/pique-retiring-saves-barca-44m-as-xavi-hails-gesture-of-spectacular-greatness/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/crop-20328513.jpg&description=BARCELONA boss Xavi hailed Gerard Pique 'gesture of spectacular greatness' as the legend gave up £44million by retiring mid-contract. Centre-back Pique, 35, played 615 games in 14 years with Barca but is now mainly on the bench since Xavi told him in the summer he'd only be a bit-part player for the cash-strapped giants. Gerard Pique has been praised for his incredible generosity as he forsake a huge sum from his contract to retire after 14 glorious years at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Barcelona manager Xavi saluted Pique's gesture and revealed how difficult it was to tell the icon he wouldn't be a regular this seasonCredit: AFP But rather than see out his deal until 2024, the 102-cap Spaniard has opted to bow out at home to Almeria in LaLiga this Saturday. Marca calculate the ex-Manchester United youngster has saved Barcelona around £44m in wages as they struggle with debts and Financial Fair Play. Former team-mate Xavi said: "Pique is a player who still has a contract and who could have continued at the club, so his gesture shows spectacular greatness. "We had a private conversation at the beginning of the summer. "I had to explain my intentions to him and it was one of the most difficult moments I've had to do as a coach. "We heard about Pique's decision this week. Surely I have had an important weight in making this decision, but the truth is that I have to make decisions and in many situations someone else played over Pique. "For me it is not a relief that he is leaving now. It is a personal decision for him, due to the circumstances and due to the conversation we had in the summer." Former midfield genius Xavi, 42, reluctant to elaborate on his awkward pre-season chat with Pique. FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS But he said: "I've tried to be honest with Pique… the footballer always feels when you don't play him, the coach is to be blamed. "That's why I say that sometimes the job of a coach is unpleasant because you have to make difficult){kind=link}
BARCELONA boss Xavi hailed Gerard Pique ‘gesture of spectacular greatness’ as the legend gave up £44million by retiring mid-contract.
Centre-back Pique, 35, played 615 games in 14 years with Barca but is now mainly on the bench since Xavi told him in the summer he’d only be a bit-part player for the cash-strapped giants.
But rather than see out his deal until 2024, the 102-cap Spaniard has opted to bow out at home to Almeria in LaLiga this Saturday.
Marca calculate the ex-Manchester United youngster has saved Barcelona around £44m in wages as they struggle with debts and Financial Fair Play.
Former team-mate Xavi said: “Pique is a player who still has a contract and who could have continued at the club, so his gesture shows spectacular greatness.