Barcelona legend Pique announces shock retirement from football

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique announced his surprise retirement from football Thursday.

The Spanish defender plans to play his last game at the Camp Nou on Saturday when Barcelona face Almeria.

"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 not be any other team after Barca, and that's how it will be," Pique, 35, said on Twitter.

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

Next week's trip to Osasuna will be Barcelona's final game before La Liga breaks for the World Cup.

Pique will end his decorated career as one of Barcelona's greatest defenders following his return to the Camp Nou 14 years ago.

Pique re-joined Barcelona in 2008 after four years at Manchester United and went on to help the Catalan side win three Champions League trophies as well as eight La Liga titles.

He was also pivotal in Spain's triumph at the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship in 2012.