Arteta hails Piqué's “incredible career”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta learned about and reacted to Piqué's decision to retire after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League.
It was a shock to everyone when 35-year-old Barcelona player Gerard Piqué announced he would retire after Saturday’s home game against Almeria. That includes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who found out about the announcement at the press conference following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League.
“I just found that out, I will remember that you gave me the news,” Arteta told the reporter. And when he told him that Piqué's last game would be played this Saturday, Arteta said with his eyes wide, “at the weekend? Wow, I don’t know what to say.”
Like most people who talk about Piqué and his career, Arteta had nothing but positive things and praise to say and give to the Barcelona legend.
“He has had an incredible career, he has an incredible character,” said Arteta. “He’s given so much to this game. And if he’s made that decision, I’m sure he’s thought a lot about it. And he will be missed because I think he was a world-class player.”