Reports have emerged stating that Gerard Pique turned down Barcelona’s invitation to partake in the team’s victory parade through the city streets on Monday, following their La Liga triumph.

Barcelona clinched their first league title under manager Xavi Hernandez with an impressive 4-2 victory over local rivals Espanyol on Sunday. The team had planned to celebrate their achievement by taking an open-top bus ride, allowing fans to join in the jubilation. Enhance your La Liga watching experience with W88 Betting Odds.

According to Mirror, Pique was extended an invitation to join his former teammates in the celebration, but he opted not to participate. The Spanish defender had announced his retirement from club football in November, subsequently terminating his contract with the Catalan giants at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Pique’s decision reportedly aided Barcelona in saving a significant £46 million, considering his contract was set to expire in the summer of 2024. Throughout the season, he appeared in 10 matches across various competitions, with six appearances in La Liga.

The 36-year-old Pique has had a remarkable career, winning every major trophy in both club and international football. This latest La Liga title marks his ninth Spanish top-flight championship, with only Paco Gento (12), Pirri (10), and Lionel Messi (10) having won more.

Pique’s final appearance in a Barcelona jersey took place during a 2-0 league victory against UD Almeria on November 5. In a tribute to his illustrious career, his teammates donned a special one-off jersey adorned with the inscription ‘Sempr3’ during the match against the Indalicos.

Both club president Joan Laporta and manager Xavi Hernandez acknowledge Pique’s contribution to Barcelona’s title-winning campaign this season. Despite his limited appearances, Laporta considers him a deserving champion, stating, “I called him yesterday morning but I couldn’t talk to him. This league is also his, he has competed, and he has been with us.”

Prior to Barcelona securing the league trophy with their win over Espanyol, Xavi extended an invitation to Pique, urging him to join in the team’s title celebrations. He remarked, “Pique is a special case because he retired. He did not go to another team, as in other cases. We have thought about it, and we will notify him and invite him to celebrate the league with us,” as reported by Relevo via Football-Espana.

Barcelona is said to prefer receiving the league trophy at the Spotify Camp Nou, in front of their loyal fans. The celebratory event within the stadium could take place during their upcoming match against Real Sociedad in gameweek 35 on May 20. The question remains whether Pique will choose to attend these celebrations or not. Follow all the latest updates from the La Liga only on W88 Football.