5 players who are likely to retire at Barcelona

#4 Gerard Pique

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - Copa del Rey

Pique's future with the club never bother the fans provided the affection the Spaniard has for his boyhood club. Yet another product of the famed La Masia system, Pique has been linked with so much more than the sporting aspect of FC Barcelona. A symbol of the club's pride, the defender certainly goes a step too ahead to protect his club's identity and raises his voice against what he feels is wrong.

Seeming to have an immense pride everytime he puts on the traditional Blaugrana shirt, Gerard Pique is the figure a club like Barcelona demands. While most veteran players think about a managerial position after their playing career comes to an end, the centre-back has a different plan. A Harvard Graduate in Sports Management, Pique has cited his plans regarding running for the post of FC Barcelona's President in the near future, which also lead to him being nicknamed 'El Presidente'. Pique is a formidable dressing-room character and a leader on-and-off the pitch, filling in the shoes of the former defender and captain Carles Puyol.

The Spaniard has denied all talks of him leaving the club he has been representing all his life. Although Pique played for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson for a brief period of time, it was with his boyhood club he really developed as a player and as a sporting figure. A defender Barcelona fans can always rely upon, Pique is now a part of a solid defensive duo with the youngster Samuel Umtiti. Javier Mascherano's imminent departure in the winter transfer window calls for more responsibilities on the shoulders of the La Masia man, and responsibilities are certainly what Pique thrives in handling.

Now 30 and in the peak of his career as a player, Pique is set to stay and excel at Barcelona for the rest of his playing time. The defender and the club are reportedly under discussions regarding an extension in the former's contract.