Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says he understands Gerard Pique‘s determination to retire midway via the season, as a result of the 35-year-old defender does not really feel as “important or useful” to the crew as earlier than. Pique introduced he would play his closing match at Camp Nou on Saturday towards Almeria, whereas he may even be obtainable for the membership’s final sport earlier than the World Cup at Osasuna on Tuesday. This season Xavi has solely referred to as on him due to accidents, with Pique behind Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen within the pecking order at centre-back.

“They are tough circumstances for him, that have led to him quitting,” Xavi informed a press convention Friday.

“Playing less, being less useful, I went through this situation too and it’s normal to step aside. He deserves every commendation and for Barcelona fans to honour him, as he is a club legend.”

Xavi, who performed alongside Pique as a team-mate throughout the membership’s most profitable period, during which they received trebles in 2009 and 2015, admitted he performed a big function within the circumstances that led to his former team-mate’s retirement.

Spanish media reported that Xavi informed Pique he would hardly function this season throughout a summer time chat with the defender. Although the coach didn’t need to reveal particulars, he mentioned it was considered one of his most tough moments as a coach.

“We had a conversation at the start of the season where I told him my intentions. It was private, and it was one of the most difficult days of my coaching career.

“And it’s (tough) now too, he was my team-mate, I maintain him in nice esteem. When you’re now not as essential or helpful to the crew, you’re feeling unhealthy.

“(My role) was surely important but these are decisions that you have to take for the good of the club. I looked for the best for Barca. That’s how tough it is.

“I’ve to take choices, I’m Barca coach, and it is not good to should make these sort of choices.”

Xavi mentioned Pique was among the best centre-backs of all-time, holding him up alongside the likes of Carles Puyol, John Terry, Franz Beckenbauer and Franco Baresi.

“He’s valiant, aggressive, a winner, he has no fears or complexes, he is very aggressive, very clever, was an excellent team-mate and an excellent captain,” added Xavi.

Pique has previously stated he would like to be Barcelona’s president in the future and said he would be “again” in his goodbye video.

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“Gerard could be no matter he desires,” said Barcelona’s coach. “With the capability he has and his character, there isn’t any doubt.”

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