As the twilight of his playing career comes into focus, Gerard Pique is already preparing for the next step in his professional journey, with the defensive colossus known to be harbouring grand designs over the Barcelona presidency.
Now 29, and with, in all likelihood, less than a decade left at the top, the centre-back has already taken the first big decision over his future in recently calling to a halt his time as a Spanish international after the 2018 World Cup.
With that issue fully resolved, next on the agenda is what he does after he retires from the game.
“Perhaps one day I will be president of Barcelona,” Pique said back in 2014.
The plan, as divulged by Xavi Hernandez later in the same year, would see Pique become president, Carles Puyol sporting director, Xavi first-team coach and Sergio Busquets assistant manager- all products of the famous La Masia and fitting representatives of Barcelona moving forward.
For this to happen, the giant defender would have to wait two years after his retirement before putting himself forward for the role, as stipulated by Article 42.D of the club’s official charter.
Four years ago, on his 25th birthday, Pique became an official member of the LaLiga champions.
“I would hope he [Gerard Pique] will become Barcelona president someday,” Amador Bernabeu, Gerard’s grandfather and former Barcelona director, said at the time.
With everything seemingly going in his favour, Pique looks all but set to fulfil his dream once his playing career is over.
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