Gerard Pique has called time on his incredible football career.
After over a decade at the very top of the game, the Barcelona and Spain legend has decided to hang up his boots.
On Thursday evening, Pique announced the shock news with a rather touching video posted to his social media channels.
Read more: Gerard Pique announces he's leaving Barcelona and retiring from football
Barcelona's home match against Almeria in La Liga on Saturday will be Pique's final for the club and it's bound to be a very emotional affair at Camp Nou.
Pique will go down as one of the club's greatest ever players. He was a key figure in their most dominant era, winning two historic trebles (2008/09 and 2014/15).
But while the 35-year-old is a bona fide Barcelona legend, you can't help but feel his exit is a blessing in disguise.
Pique's footballing powers have certainly waned in recent times, as was proven by a recent woeful display against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 12: Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona battles for possession with Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale at Spotify Camp Nou on October 12, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
On top of that, Pique's current salary on a deal that ran until June 30, 2024, would've been a huge problem for the club, who're not exactly in a great position financially anyway.
Per the Capology website, the Spaniard is Barcelona's third-highest paid player on a wage list that is quite staggering to skim over.
Incredibly, as many as 20 members of the squad are on a salary worth more than £100,000-a-week.
Madness, right? Let's take a look at the astronomical figures...
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Xavi Hernandez, head coach of FC Barcelona gestures prior of the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern München at Spotify Camp Nou on October 26, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Who're Barcelona's highest-paid players?
23. Alex Balde | £2,670-a-week
22. Inaki Pena | £33,373-a-week
21. Sergi Roberto | £83,433-a-week
20. Eric Garcia | £100,120-a-week
19. Marcos Alonso | £104,291-a-week
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Marcos Alonso of FC Barcelona pass the ball during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern München at Spotify Camp Nou on October 26, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
18. Hector Bellerin | £111,300-a-week
17. Gavi | £113,469-a-week
16. Ronald Araujo | £116,806-a-week
15. Andreas Christensen | £151,180-a-week
14. Franck Kessie | £151,180-a-week
13. Marc-Andre ter Stegen | £151,180-a-week
VALENCIA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 29: Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona celebrates after teammate Robert Lewandowski (not pictured) scores their team's first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on October 29, 2022 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
12. Pedri | £156,520-a-week
11. Ferran Torres | £166,866-a-week
10. Memphis Depay | £173,875-a-week
9. Ousmane Dembele | £200,239-a-week
8. Raphinha | £208,583-a-week
7. Jules Kounde | £226,104-a-week
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern München at Spotify Camp Nou on October 26, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
6. Ansu Fati | £232,778-a-week
5. Robert Lewandowski | £347,582-a-week
4. Jordi Alba | £347,582-a-week
3. Gerard Pique | £492,255-a-week
2. Sergio Busquets | £617,405-a-week
- Frenkie de Jong | £625,748-a-week
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JULY 18: Sergio Busquets #5 (L) and Frenkie de Jong #21 (2R) of FC Barcelona react during a training session ahead of the preseason friendly against Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 18, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Just wow. Those numbers are quite ridiculous, with Busquets' wage perhaps the most jaw-dropping of the lot.
The only silver lining in that regard is the fact that the veteran midfielder's contract expires next summer. If he renews, Busquets certainly will not be on a wage of over £600,000-a-week.
But back to Pique and his decision to suddenly leave will save Barcelona close to £500,000 each week, which is quite significant for a club in their financial situation.
Although given their activity in recent years, you wouldn't put it past the Blaugrana simply handing that wage to another player over the age of 30 in January...
Quiz: Can you name all 30 of these 'streets won't forget' players from World Cups?
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