News
Pique Says Goodbye To Nou Camp With Barcelona Win
Barcelona legend Gerard Pique was given an emotional standing ovation as he made his final Nou Camp appearance in their 2-0 La Liga win over Almeria.
He was replaced in the 84th minute and tearfully embraced all his team-mates, boss Xavi and the entire Barca bench.
The 35-year-old will retire after Tuesday’s trip to Osasuna, although it is not certain he will play in that.
After the game he gave a speech on the pitch, saying: “I was born here and I will die here.”
He added: “When you get older, you realise that sometimes to love is to let go. I’m convinced that I’ll be here again in the future.
“I love Barca. That’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go. This is not a goodbye.”
There were several tributes to him on his farewell night at the Nou Camp.
Pique, who was named captain, walked on to the pitch with his two sons, as all his team-mates wore shirts with his name and number three on the back.
There was a huge banner on the pitch that said ‘Sempr3’ (For3ver) and a video celebrating Pique’s career was played on the big screen to the fans as well.
Barcelona won an early penalty with their fans chanting for Pique to take it. But the Spaniard pointed to Robert Lewandowski, who stepped up and hit the post.
Pique, who scored 53 goals for Barcelona, headed a chance over the bar and had another saved by Fernando Martinez.
Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong scored the second-half goals to take Barcelona top of La Liga.
At full-time Pique came back onto the pitch to applaud the fans and was throw into the air by his team-mates.
The ex-Spain defender announced his decision on Thursday, despite having 18 months left on his deal, and his exit will help Barca with their wage bill.
Pique won 30 trophies and made 616 appearances for Barca after joining in 2008 from Manchester United.
Barcelona reportedly put Pique under pressure to leave to ease their financial issues. He was their fifth-choice centre-back this season, although has still played 10 times.
As well as other business interests, Pique owns FC Andorra, who play in the Spanish second tier.
Pique played the fifth most games of any Barcelona player – with the four players above him all team-mates at one time or another – Lionel Messi (778), manager Xavi Hernandez (767), current Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets (694) and Andres Iniesta (674).
Only Messi (35) and Iniesta (32) won more trophies for Barca than Pique.
Pique was also a part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs. With 102 caps before his international retirement in 2018, he is one of only 13 players to make 100 appearances for La Roja.
He started his senior career at Manchester United, playing 23 times and also having a loan spell with Real Zaragoza in that time.
He made 13 first-team appearances in 2007-08 as United won the Community Shield, Premier League and Champions League – before going back to Barca four years after leaving their youth set-up.
https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1589013884480163840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1589013884480163840%7Ctwgr%5E9f1af6a789e81c36b1ab5601fcc63b98b49df0e2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2F63530795
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague told the BBC Euro Leagues show: “He won everything. Dreams came true for that kid who wanted to be massive at Barcelona, and he has been.
“He was absolutely key to all those victories under Pep Guardiola. Tito Vilanova said things wouldn’t have happened for that team if Pique hadn’t been there.
“It is all down to his personality, he is a winner.
“He knows the history of Barcelona. Most of their main stars end badly. We were getting there with Pique, there were a lot of stories about the money he was costing the club. Before he was a full villain, he thought ‘I’ll go now’.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who managed Pique for four years at Barca, said: “He wanted to be a Barca player, his dream came true.
“He’s huge personality, a player for the big games, he never missed once. The big clubs need this type of player. It was an honour to be his manager.”
For today’s students and Gen Zs, a smartphone is more than just a communication device—it’s a study partner, entertainment hub, camera and productivity tool. From attending virtual classes and researching assignments to creating content and staying connected with friends, students need a phone that can keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle.
The itel A300+ is designed to do exactly that. Combining a 2.01-inch Smart Secondary Screen, a 7000mAh Ultra-Large Battery, and IP65 dust and water resistance, it delivers practical features that make everyday student life easier.
Power through every lecture and moment
Whether you’re moving between lecture halls, spending hours in the library or commuting across town, battery life matters. The 7000mAh battery keeps you connected throughout the day!
Smart convenience at a glance
The itel A300+’s standout feature is its 2.01-inch Smart Secondary Screen. It lets you quickly view notifications, control your music, personalise watch faces and even preview selfies using the rear camera—all without constantly unlocking your phone.
It’s a smarter, faster way to stay connected while keeping distractions to a minimum.
Built for everyday Life
Life can be unpredictable. From rushing between classes to unexpected rain showers, students need a phone that can handle everyday challenges. With IP65 dust and water resistance, the itel A300+ is built to offer added confidence wherever the day takes you.
When it’s time to relax, the hole-punch display and dual speakers provide an immersive experience for streaming, gaming and enjoying your favourite content.
Get the itel A300+ Now
Whether you’re preparing for a new semester or simply looking for a smartphone that can keep up with your daily routine, the itel A300+ offers the right balance of innovation, performance and convenience.
Visit your nearest itel Home Store today, Click HERE or check out a retail store near you and experience the itel A300+. Plus, enjoy FREE 1GB on your MTN line and 50% bonus data on every recharge for the next six months when you purchase the device.
Fitness meets cultural expression as GOOD SWEAT prepares to bring its CULTURE RUN experience to Lagos on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Designed around the connection between physical wellness and cultural identity, CULTURE RUN offers participants an opportunity to embrace an active lifestyle while celebrating the richness of African culture. The event brings together fitness enthusiasts, culture lovers, and individuals looking for a refreshing way to connect through movement and shared experiences.
The run is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM, setting the stage for an evening that extends beyond fitness. At 6:00 PM, participants can look forward to the CULTURE PARTY, the event’s post-run celebration.
Adding to the experience is a distinctive dress code that encourages attendees to wear their regular running kits with a touch of cultural wear. This creative blend of athletic apparel and traditional-inspired fashion gives participants an opportunity to express their individuality while celebrating their cultural roots.
The event will take place at Bistrot Samantha’s, located at 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
With its combination of fitness, fashion, culture, and social interaction, CULTURE RUN aims to create an experience that extends beyond the running track, bringing people together through a shared appreciation for wellness and cultural expression.
As Lagos continues to embrace lifestyle experiences that combine fitness with social engagement, CULTURE RUN offers an opportunity for participants to stay active, celebrate their heritage, and connect with like-minded individuals in a vibrant setting.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: CULTURE RUN
Presented by: GOOD SWEAT
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Run Time: 4:30 PM
Post-Run Party: 6:00 PM
Dress Code: Running kit with a touch of cultural wear
Venue: Bistrot Samantha’s
Address: 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
-
Audio10 years agoPage – Day Break Everywhere Burst
-
Audio5 years agoShadykarz – Forever
-
Audio10 years agoJuniorboy ft. 9ice – IRAPADA
-
Entertainment Gists6 years agoEx-Beauty Queen, Sandra Benede Shares Sexy Photo
-
Audio5 years agoSimi – Happy Birthday ft. Adekunle Gold, DeJa
-
Audio5 years agoRuger – Bounce
-
Mixtapes4 years agoMixtape: DJ DimpleNipple – The Best Of Amapiano Thrills
-
Editorials4 years agoSa’eedah Imam On Creating Her Imprint In The Nigerian Music Industry As An Emerging Creative Writer