Pep Guardiola says it was an ‘honour’ being Gerard Pique’s manager as Xavi clarifies this weekend’s game isn’t his last for Barcelona

Pep Guardiola says coaching Gerard Pique was 'an honour' after the Barcelona defender announced his retirement from football.

Pique revealed in a video on social media on Thursday that he will make his final Camp Nou appearance against Almeria on Saturday.

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The 35-year-old will then hang up his boots for good, having made 614 first-team appearances for Barcelona to date.

Guardiola, who managed Pique between at Barca between 2008 and 2012, was delighted he had the opportunity to work with the veteran defender.

"It was surprising news," Guardiola admitted at a press conference ahead of Manchester City's Premier League clash with Fulham.

"After making an incredible career in Barcelona, I wish him personally all the best for him and his family.

"He was a player for the big games, never once missing or behave [badly] or have a performance not in the highest level. That is what all the big clubs need, these kind of players.

"He won everything for Barcelona and Spain. The time arrives, the future will be bright, he's a smart guy.

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"It was an honour for me personally to be his manager, and we spent an incredible four years together."

During his time at the Camp Nou, Pique has got his hands on 30 titles including eight LaLiga triumphs and three Champions League trophies.

Barcelona manager Xavi has since spoken following the announcement Pique will retire from the game, with the defender set to give up money he is owed by the club.

"Pique is a player who still has a contract and who could have continued at the club, so his gesture shows spectacular greatness.

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"We had a private conversation at the beginning of the summer. I had to explain my intentions to him and it was one of the most difficult moments I’ve had to do as a coach.

"We heard about Pique’s decision this week. Surely I have had an important weight in making this decision, but the truth is that I have to make decisions and in many situations someone else played over Pique.

"For me it is not a relief that he is leaving now. It is a personal decision for him, due to the circumstances and due to the conversation we had in the summer.

"I’ve tried to be honest with Pique… the footballer always feels when you don’t play him, the coach is to be blamed.

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"That’s why I say that sometimes the job of a coach is unpleasant because you have to make difficult decisions. The conversation we had is private.

A former teammate of Pique, Xavi is backing the defender to return to the club in a presidential capacity in the future.  

He added: "Pique is brave, a winner, a great teammate, and a very intelligent person. He has been a great captain for Barca.

"Gerard can be president of Barça and he can be whatever he wants, because he has plenty of capacity and leadership, no doubt."