Gerard Piqué received messages of support on social media after announcing his retirement from football. After hearing the news, Carles Puyol sent a strong and clear message.
He believes that Barcelona fans are "unfair" to the 35-year-old Spanish defender.
"Thank you for everything, Geri. I am shocked. They have been very unfair to you, few have defended the Barcelona shirt as you have," Puyol's message read. Puyol was a teammate of Piqué's at Barcelona and on the Spanish national team.
"I will always be able to say that I played by your side, a privilege. I love you, friend," added the popular 'Tarzan' accompanied by a photo of him sharing a table with Piqué.
Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta told Barza TV that Piqué will "always be a reference for Barcelona" and that he "is part of the club's identity".
"The contract cancellation agreement is in process. Piqué is willing, he understands the club's situation," he pointed out.
Gerard Piqué with Spain
With the Spanish national team, he was an international player between 2009 and 2018, being part of the winning squads in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2012 Euro Cup in Poland/Ukraine.
FIFA wished him "the best of luck" in his new life on Thursday.