Former Man Utd and Barcelona star Gerard Pique announces shock return to football just over a year after retiring
GERARD PIQUE is set to make a shock return to football – just over a YEAR after hanging up his boots.
The Barcelona and Spain legend emotionally brought the curtain down on his trophy-laden career last November.
But the defender’s love of the beautiful game will see him cut short his retirement to take up a new role.
The former Manchester United man revealed on Tuesday that he’s on the verge of taking up his first coaching role.
Pique, 36, refused to divulge details of his new gig – insisting he’ll keep his cards close to his chest until the right moment.
The retired defender said: “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.”
A coaching role at his beloved Barcelona – who are managed by his former long-time team-mate and pal Xavi – could be on the cards.
Although it’s more than likely he’ll take up a gig in his recently formed seven-aside Kings League.
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Pique did, however, vow to return to his boyhood club as he fought back the tears in his final address to the Nou Camp faithful.
He said: “In life, when you get older, you realize that sometimes to love is to let go.
“I’m convinced that I’ll be here again in the future.
“I love Barca. That’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go.
“This is not a goodbye. I was born here, I’ll die here.”