Josep Guardiola: "It was an honor to coach Pique for four years"

Manchester City head coach Josep Guardiola commented on Gerard Pique's decision to end his playing career.

— Amazing news. Pique was in England at a young age. After that, he had a great career at Barcelona. I wish him and his family all the best. I know his mom and dad are incredible people. Pique is a huge personality. Gerard is a big-match player who has always played at the highest level. Big clubs need such players.

He won everything at Barcelona and Spain. It's time to graduate, but his future will be bright, he's a smart guy. It was a great honor to be his coach, we spent an incredible four years together.

Can any of the Manchester City players be compared to Pique? No, there will be no comparisons. There's no need to compare because that's how we can hurt someone. Gerard is happy. He said that he did not want to be a football player, but a Barca player. His dream came true - he spent 13, 14 or 15 years at the club, Josep Guardiola said.