OFFICIAL: Barcelona Star Gerard Pique Announces His Shocking Retirement From Football At Age 35.

Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has shockingly announced on Thursday evening that he is retiring from professional football at the age of 35. 

The centre-back published a video via his social media accounts, stating his immediate retirement this week, and Saturday's game against Almeria at the Spotify Camp Nou will be his last home game as a player.

Although it remains to be seen if he'll then face Osasuna away on Tuesday in Barcelona's final fixture before the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Pique began his career as a youth Barca until 2004 when he signed for Manchester United, re-joined the Catalan giants in 2008.

During his time at the club he has played over 600 games and won 30 trophies, including eight La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies and seven Copa del Rey titles.

"Culers, it's Gerard," he started off saying in the video.

"The last few weeks and months, many people have been talking about me.

"Until now, I haven't said anything, but now I want to be the one talking about me.

"Like many of you, I've always been a Barcelona fan and I was born into a footballing family.

"From a very young age, I didn't want to become a footballer. I wanted to become a Barcelona footballer.

"I've been thinking a lot about that kid lately, about what the little Gerard would have thought if he had been told that all of his dreams would come true.

"That he would make it to the Barcelona first team and win every trophy possible.

"That he would become a European and world champion and play with the best in the world.

"That he would be one of the team's captains and make friends for life.

"It's been 25 years since I joined Barcelona. I left and then came back.

"Football has given me everything. Barcelona have given me everything.

"You, culers, have given me everything.

"And now that all that kid's dreams have come true, I want to tell you that I've decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end.

"I've always said that there would be no other team after Barcelona and that's how it will be."

"This Saturday's game will be my last at the Camp Nou.

"I will become another fan and support the team and pass my love for Barcelona onto my kids, like parents did for me.

"You know me, and sooner or later I'll be back.

"See you soon Camp Nou and always long live Barcelona."

Piqué won 102 caps for Spain and helped them to victory in the Euro 2012, and also won the 2010 World Cup before retiring from international football in 2018.