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'It was an HONOUR': Pep Guardiola pays a heartfelt tribute to Gerard Pique after the Barcelona star's shock retirement... as the Manchester City boss insists his former player 'ALWAYS performed at the highest level'

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Barcelona star Gerard Pique, who announced his shock retirement from football on Thursday, insisting it 'was an honour' to manage the Spaniard during his time at the Nou Camp.

Pique, 35, will bow out after this Saturday's LaLiga clash between Barcelona and Almeria, which comes in the wake of a few turbulent months that saw him separate from ex-partner Shakira and fall out with the Spanish club over his salary.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City's Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday, Guardiola admitted it was a shock to hear that the World Cup winner was retiring.