Barcelona news: Gerard Pique to announce shock retirement and eyes surprise new role

GERARD PIQUE will announce he is retiring from football at the end of next season, according to reports in Spain.

And it is claimed the Barcelona legend will look to become the club’s new president in 2021.

Mundo Deportivo  say he wants to stop playing while still at the top level and he has already said he will not look to go into management.

Current Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s deal runs out in 2021 and it is claimed that he would welcome Pique as the man to take over from him.

Pique is reported to be keen on bringing back Andres Iniesta and Xavi as part of his coaching team.

The centre-back spent seven years at the club between 1997 and 2004 as a youth player but left to join Manchester United as a 17-year-old.

After four years at Old Trafford, he returned to the Camp Nou and has since become one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.

He has won seven La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey trophies and the Champions League on three separate occasions.

The World Cup winner has also claimed the Club World Cup three times and the UEFA Super Cup twice.

Pique has previously said he will hang up his boots once he stops enjoying playing.

He remains on course for an eighth league title that would put him level with the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano and Xavi.

And he could further cement his status as a club legend if he takes over as president.

The report claims one of his first tasks will be to come up with a new name for the Camp Nou

Barca’s iconic stadium is set for a stunning redevelopment that will increase its capacity to around 105,000.

Pique is also reportedly exploring the possibility of creating a Barcelona tennis team

Source:www.express.co.uk