Barcelona Defender Set For Landmark Appearance

Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique, will make his 500th Barcelona appearance against Real Betis at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

Considered as one of the best centre-halves in the world, Gerard Piqué brings together character, class and strength in the air at centre back, something that has made him a key figure in the Barça team

Pique came through the academy ranks at La Masia, before leaving for Manchester United in 2004, where he played under former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Now 32 years of age, Pique has become symbolic of the club, partly for his rivalry with Real Madrid but also as a staple in the side ever since 2008/09.

He was one of many who left the club looking for first-team opportunities in 2004, heading to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, but Pep Guardiola brought him back to Catalonia for five million euros in 2008.

Last season, he played a total of 52 games as Ernesto Valverde continued to trust him just as Guardiola, Tito Villanova, Tata Martino, and Luis Enrique had before him.

Pique has won eight La Liga titles with the club, alongside six Copa del Rey titles and three Champions League titles and he has remained a consistent presence following his return to Catalonia.