Retiring Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said he felt liberated when coach Xavi Hernandez took him off in the 83rd minute of the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday as he walked off in tears to a standing ovation from a packed Camp Nou.

The 35-year-old Pique announced on Friday that this would be his last game in the historic stadium as he decided to retire from soccer when La Liga breaks for the World Cup next week.

“It was like taking a heavy burden off my back when I walked of f the pitch,” Pique said. “The last few months were really difficult and today (Saturday) I felt liberated. It was a lifetime experience that I’ll take forever with me.

“I’m happy for giving it all for this club. There were good and bad days, but I’m proud of it. I think I leave with a job well done.”

Pique started the game as captain on Saturday in a season where he faced heavy criticism for his poor form and fell out of favour with coach Xavi Hernandez who reportedly asked him in the close season to leave or retire.

The signings of centre-backs Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and the breakout of youngster Ronald Araujo has left Pique out of the picture at the age of 35.

There was the added pressure regarding his salary, reportedly the biggest at a club struggling financially and where every euro could affect their ability to sign or register new players.

According to multiple reports, Pique will renounce the remaining year and half of his salary, a decision that will help Barcelona improve their Financial Fair Play margin.

“Pique was outstanding today and has once again shown that the bigger the game, the more it pays off,” Xavi told DAZN.