Retirement in sight? Barcelona veteran will assess his future at the end of the season

Gerard Pique endured a difficult end to the 2021/22 campaign as he exacerbated his adductor injury on Matchday 34 against RCD Mallorca and did not play again for the rest of the season.

The 35-year-old had been playing through the pain barrier for the last three months of the campaign and had missed a few games already due to the injury before completely missing the final run-in.

And, Mundo Deportivo is now reporting that Pique might consider hanging up his boots next year depending on how he is feeling physically.

The report claims that the former Spanish international is currently right on track with regard to his recovery and plans to join the rest of the team for the pre-season on July 4. The veteran defender is positive about seeing through the upcoming campaign without any hiccups.

However, as for the campaign beyond that, he will take a step back and assess his condition before making a decision on his continuity.

Pique still has two years left on his contract with Barcelona. But he might not see through the entire duration of the deal if he believes that he is not performing at the best level and is being hampered by the injury.

Former Barcelona captain and club icon, Carles Puyol decided to retire at the end of the 2013/14 season even though he had time left on his contract, as his injuries were affecting his performances. Pique, too, might follow the same route as his close friend and mentor.

A legend at Camp Nou, Pique has made over 600 matches for Barcelona since returning from Manchester United. The 35-year-old has won 30 trophies during his time at the club and will go down as one of the most successful modern-day defenders when he decides to call it time on his career.