Xavi says Pique's retirement is 'law of life' as he boosts new generation and targets defender deal

Xavi has described Gerard Pique's retirement as 'the law of life' and confirmed it could prompt Barcelona to dive back into the transfer market in January.

At the age of 35, and with a reduced role this season, Pique took it upon himself to end his career, rather than see a contract that was to run until 2024.

Head coach Xavi has accepted his decisions led to this point, having made it clear to Pique in pre-season that he would not be a regular starter.

Pique will play his last match at Camp Nou on Saturday, provided he is involved against Almeria, and told Xavi he would also be available to face Osasuna in an away match on Tuesday.

The season is then suspended as the World Cup takes over, and Pique will bid farewell to his boyhood club, for which he played over 600 games.

Barcelona will continue without him, and Xavi said: "Now we have to build a new generation. A lot of young players are gaining importance. It's a new era.

"We hope it's a new generation that gives a lot to the club. It's a shame to see great teammates and friends say goodbye to football.

"It's sad to see, it makes you nostalgic, but it's the law of life, and it will happen to everyone."

Xavi believes Pique, who already has substantial business interests, could be a future Barcelona president.

“Gerard can be whatever he wants,” Xavi said, when asked about the idea. "For the ability he has, the leadership, the personality he conveys, he can be whatever he wants. He has abilities without a doubt.

"He's super competitive, smart, he has incredible intellectual capacity, way more than normal."

With Pique out, Barcelona will be one defender less than Xavi would like them. He had hoped that Pique would stay, but instead confirmed that talks would take place on the possibility of making a new signing.

"We'll see. Now Gerard is leaving, yes maybe," Xavi said during his press conference on Friday.

"We will have a meeting after the game against Osasuna to plan a bit. We will have time to plan with Mateu [Alemany, sporting director] and the president [Joan Laporta]."

Xavi played in the same team as Pique for seven years from 2008 to 2015, winning three Champions Leagues together and numerous domestic honours. They were also Spain's teammates in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 victories.

The coach has no doubts that Pique will succeed in everything he does.

"Often we don't choose the end," Xavi said. "It worked out that way for better or for worse and I wish him all the best.

"He's always given his all. He's a winner, he's always been a winner, and he'll continue to be wherever he goes."

Pique hopes his last game at Barcelona will be a winning farewell and the signs are good.

Of current La Liga teams, Barcelona have played more games against Almeria without defeat (P12 W10 D2) than against any other opponent. At home, Barcelona have won all six of their games against Almeria in La Liga, scoring three or more goals in each of the last three.

Almeria's Rubi have lost all six of their games as La Liga head coach to Barcelona, ​​and the club have not had an away win against a La Liga opponent since February 2015, in a relegation season. They have drawn one and lost 12 on the road in La Liga since that last victory, with this first season back in the top flight.