Barcelona's Gerard Pique starts against Almeria in last-ever match at Camp Nou

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Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is in the starting line-up against Almeria for his last-ever match at Camp Nou

Gerard Pique in action for Barcelona.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is in the starting line-up for the Blaugrana in their LaLiga clash at home to Almeria on Saturday night – his last-ever match at Camp Nou.

Pique announced in an emotional post on social media on Thursday that tonight's game would be his last, saying it was time for him to step aside, although coach Xavi later confirmed he will also play a part in the match at Osasuna next weekend.

The centre-back has played an important part in the most successful era in the history of both Barcelona and Spain.

With the Catalan club, he has won 30 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles and three Champions League crowns.

The 35-year-old was also a starter as Spain won the World Cup in 2010 and again as La Roja claimed the Euros two years later.

Pique, who represented Zaragoza and Manchester United before returning to Barcelona in 2008, will be playing his 616th official match for the club he grew up supporting.

Ben Hayward
Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.