Villa bids farewell to Pique: "It's a pleasure to be able to call you friend"

David Villa and Gerard Pique are two legends of Spanish football. They coincided on the sideline at Camp Nou in the centre-back's last match before his retirement. He announced it this week and it took place against Almeria. After the match, which was a victory for Xavi Hernandez's team, Villa spoke to him from his position as pitch-side commentator for the 'DAZN' platform.

"Just to congratulate you for the career you've had and for tonight's victory; it's a great example of what you've earned as a footballer and, for me, it's a pleasure to have had you as a team-mate and to be able to call you a friend and to be able to live many of those moments," he said after they were given a moment to interact and the defender spoke again to say goodbye to football.

Then, Villa wished him "good luck for what the future holds for you, which I'm sure will be very good and I'll finish as I started: congratulations because you've earned it". To this, his former team-mate replied: "Thank you for these words". They also embraced in a heartfelt hug captured on video and image.

David Villa's words are part of a string of praise that Pique has earned these days. Personalities from various clubs, rivals and friends, have spoken about him in good terms. Even Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, did so at a press conference.