pique_gerard
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| Name: Gerard Pique Bernabeu |
Nationality: Spain |
| Position: defender |
Signing Information: Transferred from: FC Barcelona, 05/2004, £ |
| Birthdate: 02-02-1987 |
Years at Club: 2004-2008 |
| Age: (37) |
Debut: 27/10/2004 v Crewe Alexander (A) 3-0 (League Cup 3rd Round) |
| Birthplace: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain |
Previous clubs: FC Barcelona, Real Zaragoza (loan) |
| Height: 6' 4" (1.93m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to FC Barcelona, 27/05/2008, £5m |
| Weight: 12st 10lbs (80.74kg) |
Passed Away: |
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Gerard Piqué is a retired Spanish footballer widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation. Known for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and aerial ability, Piqué was a key figure in both Barcelona's and Spain's golden eras of football. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Piqué won numerous domestic, European, and international honors, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2012 UEFA European Championship, and multiple Champions League and La Liga titles with Barcelona.
Early Career and Move to Manchester United
Born in Barcelona, Piqué joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy as a young boy, where he developed his technical and defensive skills. In 2004, he made the surprising decision to sign for Manchester United at just 17, seeking a new challenge in English football. At United, Piqué was part of the squad that won the 2007–08 Premier League and UEFA Champions League, though he struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular.
Career at Manchester United (2004–2008)
While Piqué showed glimpses of his immense potential, he found first-team opportunities limited due to the presence of established defenders like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. He spent the 2006–07 season on loan at Real Zaragoza, where he gained valuable first-team experience in La Liga.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
2007–08 Premier League Winner: Piqué was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad that won the Premier League title in 2008.
2008 UEFA Champions League Winner: Although not a regular starter, Piqué contributed to United’s victorious 2007–08 Champions League campaign.
Despite his talent, Piqué found it difficult to secure consistent playing time at Old Trafford and eventually returned to Barcelona in 2008.
Return to Barcelona (2008–2022)
Piqué’s return to Barcelona in 2008 marked the beginning of an extraordinary career, where he became a central figure in the club's dominance under managers like Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. At Barcelona, Piqué formed one of the greatest defensive partnerships in modern football alongside Carles Puyol and later Samuel Umtiti, becoming an integral part of a team that dominated both La Liga and European football.
Key Achievements at Barcelona:
La Liga Titles (8): Piqué won eight La Liga titles with Barcelona, contributing both defensively and offensively with crucial goals, especially from set pieces.
UEFA Champions League Titles (3): Piqué played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s Champions League triumphs in 2009, 2011, and 2015. His composure, ball-playing ability, and leadership were instrumental in the club’s European dominance during this period.
Multiple Domestic Cups: Piqué also helped Barcelona secure seven Copa del Rey titles and six Supercopa de España trophies during his time with the club.
Piqué's ability to read the game, his passing range, and his leadership qualities made him one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers for over a decade.
International Career with Spain
Piqué enjoyed a highly successful international career with Spain, earning 102 caps between 2009 and 2018. He was a central part of the Spain squad that won both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship, forming a strong defensive partnership with Sergio Ramos.
Key Achievements with Spain:
2010 FIFA World Cup Winner: Piqué played every minute of Spain’s World Cup campaign, helping the team keep five clean sheets, including in the 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final.
2012 UEFA European Championship Winner: Piqué was once again instrumental in Spain’s success, as they completed an unprecedented international treble, winning Euro 2012.
Piqué retired from international football after the 2018 World Cup, leaving behind a legacy as one of Spain’s greatest-ever defenders.
Playing Style: Composed, Intelligent, and Dominant
Piqué was known for his composure on the ball, ability to play out from the back, and his strong aerial presence. A tall, physically imposing defender, he was equally comfortable with the ball at his feet, making him the ideal modern centre-back. His intelligence, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities were crucial to both Barcelona and Spain’s successes over the years.
Legacy
Gerard Piqué will be remembered as one of the most complete defenders of his era. His combination of technical ability, defensive intelligence, and leadership allowed him to thrive at the highest levels of football for club and country. A key figure in Barcelona’s historic treble-winning seasons and Spain’s World Cup and European Championship triumphs, Piqué’s impact on the game has been immense.
Summary
Gerard Piqué was a world-class centre-back who played for Barcelona and Manchester United, winning multiple Champions League, La Liga, and international honors. A central figure in Barcelona's golden era and Spain’s World Cup-winning team, Piqué was known for his composure, passing ability, and leadership. He retired from professional football in 2022, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of the greatest defenders of his generation. |
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League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
2004-2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
| 2 |
2005-2006 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
| 3 |
2007-2008 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
13 |
| TOTALS |
0 |
12 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
23 |
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