What's the story?
Gerard Pique has dropped a bombshell on his future at Barcelona and is rumoured to leave his boyhood club in 2018. The central defender has been the club's mainstay for the past decade and has played a major role in the Catalan club’s remarkable success.
According to Don Balon, Pique is looking to leave Catalonia for the United States of America. Pique’s decision to leave La Liga and Barcelona is a personal one and the Spaniard had earlier said in an interview that he may end his career in the Major League Soccer.
In case you didn't know...
Pique signed for FC Barcelona in 1997 and re-signed for the club in 2008 after a stint with Manchester United. He has won every trophy possible for both club and country and is one most decorated players in the history of the game. He is also known for his pro-Catalan views and his numerous rants on Barcelona's rivals, Real Madrid.
The heart of the matter
It has emerged that Pique's wife Shakira, the famous pop singer, wants to lead a calm life in the United States after being tired of the scrutiny her husband garners by playing for one of the biggest clubs in the worlds. Pique had earlier praised the MLS as being an attractive option, with the league having the seventh-highest attendance in the world.
What's next?
Pique has offers from LA Galaxy who want to add a marquee name to their ranks after Steven Gerrard called it a day last year. The Spanish defender wants to follow the example of his former teammates like David Villa and Thierry Henry by ending their careers in the US.
New York City FC is also an appealing team for the central defender due to the presence of David Villa in the team. The MLS has become a favourite destination for players past their prime since David Beckham’s move to Los Angeles back in 2007.
Author's Take
The 30-year-old would be tempted by the riches of the MLS but Barcelona will try everything in their might to convince the player to sign a new deal. Pique still is one of the best defenders in the world and has a lot to offer to Barcelona and the Spanish team and it will be a big surprise if the Spaniard moves to the US at such a young age.
