Pique: Statue Denied

Gerard Pique, the former Barcelona and Spain defender, has been immortalized with a towering bronze statue in his birthplace of Sant Guim de Freixenet, Spain. The statue depicts a bare-chested Pique in his Barcelona kit, arms raised in triumph. The statue's unveiling was met with significant local fanfare, highlighting Pique's revered status in the town. He was present at the ceremony alongside the mayor and other dignitaries. The event drew a large crowd eager to celebrate the illustrious career of their hometown hero. The statue serves as a permanent tribute to Pique’s achievements, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles with Barcelona, as well as a World Cup and European Championship with Spain. Pique, known for his outspoken personality and business ventures beyond football, retired from professional soccer in late 2022. The article contrasts the honor bestowed upon Pique with the mixed reception given to statues of other prominent figures in sports history, implying that the gesture symbolizes the deep appreciation the town holds for Pique's contributions to football and his representation of their community on the global stage. The statue's location, in the heart of Sant Guim de Freixenet, ensures it will be a constant reminder of Pique’s legacy for generations to come. find the original article here: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/another-country-d-statue-gerard-114000167.html