Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique called time on his glittering career on Thursday, saying he will retire from football when La Liga breaks for the World Cup this month.

Pique, 35, said in a video posted on social media that Saturday’s league clash with Almeria will be his last at Barcelona’s Camp Nou after 14 years with the Catalan giants following his return from Manchester United in 2008.

Barcelona will travel to Osasuna on Tuesday for their final fixture before the November 20-December 18 World Cup.

“The last few weeks, months, lots of people have been talking about me. Until now, I haven’t said anything. But now, I want to be the one talking about me... I’ve always said there would not be any other team after Barca. And that’s how it will be. This Saturday’s game will be my last at Camp Nou. I will become a regular fan,” Pique said.

Regarded as one of the best centre backs of his generation, Pique collected 35 trophies during his 18-year career.

Pique won nine league titles in Spain and England, four Champions League trophies, as well as a World Cup and European Championship.

Pique has fallen out of favour at the Camp Nou this season, making just three La Liga starts, and has decided to call time on his trophy-laden career.

Pique has slipped behind Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia in the pecking order at Barcelona this season and has spent most of the campaign on the bench.

The defender has previously said he would rather retire than accept being a substitute for a whole season.

“You are the best,” commented teammate Ferran Torres. “Thanks for everything,” wrote former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert. “A pleasure to share locker room and the field together!” said his former Manchester United teammate Giuseppe Rossi.

Written with inputs from Reuters