Gerard Pique announces shock return to football

Gerard Pique is set to make a shock return to football, just 14 months after he hung up his boots

The former Barcelona and Manchester United defender announced his sudden retirement back in November 2022 – playing one match before walking away from the sport.

But the 36-year-old has teased a return to football, revealing that he will be looking to take up a new role within the game.

In a message on social media, he wrote: ‘It’s a new year and after thinking carefully I have decided to return to football.

‘I miss it a lot. This time it won’t be as a player. It will be as a coach. I’ll share more details at the end of the week.’

His revelation will instantly raise speculation that he will look to join his former club Barcelona in a coaching role under new team-mate Xavi.

Pique’s retirement from the sport came just five months after he split up with singer Shakira and now has a new girlfriend, Clara Chia Marti.