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Pique will retire at Barcelona because it would be 'a drama' to leave

  /  autty

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has insisted he will retire at the club, saying it would be 'a drama' to sign for a rival team.

The 34-year-old has no intention of leaving the Catalans before his contract expires in 2024, by which time he will be 37.

The defender has won 29 trophies since rejoining the club in 2008 and said he would have no desire to try his luck elsewhere before the end of his career.

'I will retire at Barca. I've always said that,' Pique told streamer Ibai Llanos.

'I play football because I'm representing Barca. I don't see myself on another team. I wouldn't have the motivation, it would be a drama.'

The centre back has not played since November after picking up a knee injury against Atletico Madrid which has seen Ronald Araujo step-up in his absence.

The Spain international also believes Araujo can be a long-term replacement when he does finally decide to hang up his boots.

'Araujo is a great centre-back, and will be for 10 or 15 years. He has everything. He is very young and has a very good head. Also, he is physically strong, fast and powerful, and has good ball control.'

While Pique may not have ambitions to leave Barca, his team-mate Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from the club after handing in a transfer request last summer.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to discuss a potential transfer with clubs outside of Spain.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to discuss a potential transfer with clubs outside of Spain.

However, Pique believes Messi is 'very happy' at his boyhood club.

'Events happened in the summer that ended in the best possible way because Leo stayed at Barca,' the defender added.

'I see him very happy right now and having him by my side is a guarantee of success.'