Rio Ferdinand has joked about how his formidable partnership with Nemanja Vidic at Manchester United was the making of Gerard Pique because it forced him to leave Old Trafford to play regular football at Barcelona instead.
Ferdinand wrote a humorous retirement message to his former Manchester United teammate on Instagram after Pique decided to call time on his illustrious career.
The former Spain international announced his decision to retire this week and it is believed that he made the call to lift financial pressure off the club.
“Gerard. My man, what a career!” Ferdinand wrote. “Many people don’t know but I actually played one of the biggest parts in making you. The fact that myself and Nemanja were playing at Man Utd you never had a chance… so you had to move on to Barcelona!!!
“That was my part in catapulting you to greatness!! But seriously, when you went to Barcelona I don’t even think that you could imagine your career would go as crazy as it went – trophies galore with both club and country.
“One thing you had to do when you left was mature, you did this so quickly because your intelligence took over. A mainstay in both teams, that many consider the best teams EVER! I hear debates about the best CB’s of this era and I don’t see your name enough…..without you at Barcelona do they play out from the back as smoothly, would they of had the personality in that area in the big moments to take the ball & to be brave….we will never know but you was there doing that year after year – quietly & effectively.
“Respect my man for a truly great career. PS – President of Barca watching 7yrs…..”
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Pique made his final appearance for Barca on Saturday and kept a clean sheet as captain in a 2-0 win over Almeria. He received an emotional standing ovation on the 86th minute as he waved goodbye to his teammates and manager Xavi, who he previously called a teammate.
It is thought that he will officially retire following Tuesday’s game against Osasuna, though it remains to be seen if he will play in the game after appearing to say goodbye to the fans over the weekend.
