Gerard Pique in double blow as ‘Barcelona hope he RETIRES to save them £70m in wages’ after breaking up with Shakira
BARCELONA are hoping Gerard Pique will announce his retirement next summer to save them money following his shock split with Shakira. That’s according to RAC1, who claim Barca would prefer it if Pique rolled credits on his celebrated career in 2023 to save themselves €80million (£70m) in wages over the next two seasons. The centre-back […]
BARCELONA are hoping Gerard Pique will announce his retirement next summer to save them money following his shock split with Shakira.
That’s according to RAC1, who claim Barca would prefer it if Pique rolled credits on his celebrated career in 2023 to save themselves €80million (£70m) in wages over the next two seasons.
The centre-back has a contract with the Blaugrana that runs until 2024 and is one of the club’s highest-paid players.
But the 35-year-old has deferred his salary multiple times in the last three years to help his financially-stricken team cope with the economic impact of COVID-19.
The former Spain international was also one of the first Barcelona players to take a pay-cut, which helped the Catalan giants register new signings.
This comes after Pique’s 11-year relationship with Shakira came to an end after the pop star announced their separation.
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The Colombian singer made no mention of the reasons behind the split, and instead asked for privacy for her children.
Shakira said: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways.
“For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
The former celebrity couple met in 2010 while filming the music video for her World Cup song Waka Waka.
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Pique and Shakira started dating a year later, shortly after Spain won the World Cup.
The 45-year-old composer was also present in the final as she performed in front of the live crowd in South Africa.
They have two sons Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7, but never got married.