FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez had nothing but praise for Gerard Pique, who played his final game for the Catalans on Saturday night.
The veteran defender on Thursday surprisingly announced his retirement and is set to terminate his contract with the club this week.
Pique started in Saturday's 2-0 win over Almeria at the Camp Nou and was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the final 10 minutes.
Read: Barca move top of LaLiga in Pique's final game
"It was a historic night for everyone, but mainly for Gerard", Xavi said, as per Marca.
"He had a great game and we wanted to send him off in the best possible way.
"The bigger the game, the better he performs. I've already told him he is a Barca legend, and we are very thankful to him."
FC Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets echoed Xavi's sentiments after the encounter.
"Gerard leaves a spectacular legacy here. He made us into one of the best clubs in the world", Busquets told reporters from Marca at full time.
"He has made history here and gone out of his way for the club.
"He's an example of what a Barca player is and what they have to do."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.