He may not have been blessed with lightening pace but Pique still established himself as the
greatest central defender in the club’s history winning 30 trophies with Barcelona, plus the World Cup and European Championship with Spain.
He is not only going to be remembered for the titles he won but the manner he won it.
Despite the four years in England with Manchester United where he was behind Vidic and Ferdinand in the pecking order, his polished poise and positional play saw so glaring for all to see.
In 2008 when he returned back to Spain as Pep Guardiola took over at Barca, he was paired with the poignant Carles Puyol.
Such was the effects and success of their partnership as Graham Hunter in his book; the Odd couple chronicles the partnership which delivered several titles with club Barcelona, World Cup and European Nation's cup as well.
Pique was the man who never put a foot wrong as he also stepped up to score crucial goals as well especially in his first season at Barcelona where he scored the sixth goal in a 2-6 win at the Santiago Bernabeu and celebrated in front of the fuming home crowd – the grin was almost as wide as the scoreline.
He also became one Barcelona player that Madrid fans hate the most, but as usual, he revelled in the jeers and whistles.
As he gets set to retire from football altogether after 18 years of love and affection for his boyhood club and country, one thing is certain, his name is already written in gold and in their folklore. No matter the circumstances surrounding it, he is the greatest Spanish central defender of all time.
All hail Gerrard pique as we wish him success in his future endeavors.
Story by ibrozano Adams
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