Barcelona Transfer News: Gerard Pique States Desire to Retire at Camp Nou

Despite falling out of favour at his hometown club of late, Gerard Pique doesn't have eyes for anyone except Barcelona and has come out with comments regarding his intent to retire at Camp Nou.    

Luis Enrique has failed to find a stable spot for the Spanish international in his squad, but speaking to FourFourTwo (h/t Goal.com's Peter McVitie), the centre-back says everything about Barca makes him want to remain:

"

I love this club for its history, its style of play and its connection to Catalunya. I love it here. I am at the best club in the world right now. I have no intention of leaving now or later. I've just signed a new contract and I want to retire a Blaugrana, just like Puyol did.

You never know what the future holds, but right now, I love this city, I love the people in the club, and most importantly, I love the institution. I don't see myself leaving.

"

In hindsight, Pique may wish he had such an appreciation in 2004, when at the age of 17 he opted to move to Old Trafford. Four years later—a loan spell at Real Zaragoza sandwiched between—he made his way back to Catalan country.

With that knowledge under his belt, the 27-year-old is clearly more educated on what exactly it was that he was leaving behind, and Carles Puyol certainly isn't a bad example to follow.

Daniel Tejedor/Associated Press

However, Pique may not have a choice in determining whether his career goes down as illustriously as his former team-mates. Of course, a new contract gives the centre-back comfort in the squad, but first-team prominence is something one in his position needs.   

Entering the prime years of his career, Pique will be disappointed to have started just three of the Blaugrana's seven Le Liga games this season, Enrique rotating between Javier Mascherano, Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu, too.

What's more, the return to fitness of Thomas Vermaelen will undoubtedly make pressure for places at centre-back even more sought after. Samuel Marsden of SPORT hints that competition for places could pressure Pique into seeking a move:

Since returning to his native land, Pique has hauled in four La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Champions League crowns, so his silverware aspirations are evidently well looked after.

However, feeling wanted is also a high priority for most players, and he emphasised as much last month upon proclaiming that he didn't feel appreciated enough, per Goal.com's Stefan Coerts:

"

I feel that, for a while, I have not been valued for what I have done sportingly. I have been learning more and more every year. The years remaining in my career will be the same. I say that calmly because I work hard every year.

I always try to do the best I possibly can. I am happy with the level I have shown in the minutes I have played. I can't do anything about public opinion.

"

The relationship between club and player is very much a two-way street, but much like the relationships one shares in real life, Pique can't be in control of whether or not the other concerned party values him as highly as he does it.

Barca are currently on track to challenge strongly in reclaiming their Spanish league title this season, and the campaign may give some indication of just how high Pique's chances are of his much-desired Camp Nou retirement.