Barcelona want Gerard Pique to retire in 2023?

Barcelona are reportedly keen for veteran defender Gerard Pique to call time on his career in 2023.

The 35-year-old has made over 600 appearances for the Catalan giants, and his current deal with the club is set to run until 2024.

However, according to The Sun, the Barcelona hierarchy are hoping that the centre-back will announce his retirement next summer.

Pique is reportedly one of the club's highest-paid players, and if he were to retire in 2023 then it could save Barcelona €80m (£70m) in wages over the course of the next two seasons.

The former Spain international has already deferred his wages multiple times to help with the club's financial situation, but recent reports have indicated that the Catalan side still need to make savings.

Despite entering the final stages of his career, Pique has still been pivotal for Barcelona, making 39 appearances in the 2021-22 season.