Gerard Pique has announced a shock return to football, just 14 months after he hung up his boots.
The former Barcelona and Manchester United defender announced his abrupt retirement in November 2022, after just playing one match.
However, the 36-year-old has hinted at a return to football, admitting that he plans to take on a new position in the sport.
In a statement on social media, he wrote, “It’s a new year, and after serious consideration, I’ve decided to return to football.
“I miss it a lot. This time, it won’t be as a player. It will be as a coach. I’ll share more details at the end of the week.”
Pique had 14 golden years at Barcelona after joining the club from Manchester United in 2008.
He won 30 awards for the Catalan giants, including nine La Liga crowns and three Champions League trophies.
He also won the World Cup (2010) and the European Championship (2012) for his country.
Since his retirement, he has established the seven-a-side Kings League in Barcelona, where he may also seek a coaching position.
Pique’s retirement from the sport occurred barely five months after splitting up with singer Shakira, and he now has a new girlfriend named Clara Chia Marti.
In his final statement to the Nou Camp supporters before his final game against Almeria, he promised to return to Barcelona someday.
