FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez says he was honest with Gerard Pique about his role in squad from the start of the season.
On Thursday evening, Pique confirmed he will be hanging up his boots and will play his final game for the Catalans against Almeria on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old defender had fallen down the pecking order this season after making just five appearances in LaLiga, but Xavi reveals he told Pique about his role before the campaign got underway.
Official: Barca Star Announces Shock Retirement
"Pique is a player who still has a contract and who could have continued at the club, so his gesture shows spectacular greatness. We had a private conversation at the beginning of the summer," Xavi said, as per Goal.
"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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