Gerard Pique's retirement brings one of the most distinguished careers in Barcelona and Spain footballing history to a conclusion.

Pique won eight LaLiga titles and the Champions League three times with Barca, while helping his national team lift their first World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship two years later.

The Los Cules great has decided to call it quits at the age of 35 after Barca's next match, against Almeria on Saturday, having turned out for his hometown club over 600 times.

A number of high-profile names have hailed Pique since the announcement, including the likes of Patrick Kluivert and Fabio Cannavaro, while former centre-back partner Carles Puyol called it a "privilege" to play alongside him.

A Barca legend

Pique will retire as a Camp Nou legend, with only four players featuring more times for Barca than his (614), those being Lionel Messi (778), Xavi (767), Sergio Busquets (694) and Andres Iniesta (674) - all of whom helped form part of the dominant Barca team in the 2010s alongside Pique.

Pique started in Barca's youth ranks but left for Manchester United in 2004, where he won the Premier League and Champions League in the 2007-08 season.

However, Pique returned to Barca in 2008 and has won 422 of his 614 games in all competitions since.

He lifted 30 titles with the club in what was the most successful period in Barca's history.

A rock for his national team

Pique also made his mark at international level, earning 102 caps for Spain between 2009 and 2018 and becoming one of just 13 players to feature 100 or more times for La Roja.

Pique played every minute of the final as they overcame the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time to lift their first World Cup in 2010, before Spain went on to win the 2012 Euros by routing Italy 4-0 in the final.

He scored five goals for Spain, all against different opponents, including three in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

European great

Only Sergio Ramos (135) made more Champions League appearances as a defender than Pique (128), while he scored the joint-most goals for a defender in the competition with Roberto Carlos (16).

Perhaps his best Champions League season was the 2008-09 campaign when he finished with the most ball recoveries (90), while only Xavi (967) completed more passes than him (695).

There are just four players with more Champions League titles, Karim Benzema, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, all of whom are on five.

Mason Mount described Ben Chilwell's hamstring agony as "tough to watch" and hopes his Chelsea and England team-mate can recover in time to feature at the World Cup.

Left-back Chilwell was forced from the field during stoppage time in the Blues' 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday.

With the Qatar 2022 finals less than three weeks away, Chilwell faces a race to prove his fitness for England boss Gareth Southgate, deepening what is already becoming a defensive crisis for the Three Lions.

Mount was left fearing the worst for Chilwell, but he remained hopeful it may not be as serious an injury as it looked at first glance.

"We don't know how bad it is, but that was tough to watch," Mount told Chelsea's official website. "We saw his reaction and that never looks good.

"As soon as you feel something and to not even think about the ball, it's tough. We know what's coming up, hopefully it's not too bad and he can be back as soon as possible because we need him as well."

While Chilwell's place on the plane now looks in doubt, one player who has given his tournament prospects a shot in the arm is Raheem Sterling.

The England winger broke his Blues drought with a goal in the midweek win, and Mount was delighted to see Sterling on the scoresheet for the first time since September.

"It's brilliant for Raz," Mount said. "He took his goal very well. He doesn't think about how many games he goes without scoring.

"He's so focused on helping the team and getting in the right positions. It will come for him, we know how good he is."

Chelsea next play Arsenal on Sunday in the Premier League. England will play their opening World Cup game against Iran on November 21.

Germany forward Timo Werner is out of the World Cup after suffering an ankle ligament tear while playing for RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Werner down injured in the first half following a challenge from Shakhtar Donetsk's Taras Stepanenko, and was substituted after attempting to continue. 

The 26-year-old was replaced by Emil Forsberg in the 19th minute and Leipzig went on to win the game 4-0, securing their place in the round of 16.

Leipzig on Thursday announced Werner will not play again this year, stating in a tweet: "Timo Werner suffered an ankle injury last night in the win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

"Scans today in Leipzig showed that he has unfortunately torn the syndesmosis ligament in his left ankle and will therefore be out for the rest of 2022."

Since making his debut in 2017, Werner has scored 24 goals in 55 matches for his country.

He rejoined Leipzig in August after two seasons with Chelsea and has scored nine goals in 16 matches for the Bundesliga club, but will not be boarding the plane to Qatar.

The news is a blow to Germany head coach Hansi Flick as he prepares for his first major tournament in charge since replacing Joachim Low, with their opening game against Japan on November 23.

Jurgen Klopp will be the Premier League manager who benefits the most from a mid-season World Cup, according to former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The Reds manager has been a firm opponent of the Qatar 2022 finals being slotted into mid-season, which has happened because the climate in Qatar made it unfeasible to stage the tournament in its usual June-July slot.

Klopp said earlier this season it was taking place "at the wrong moment for the wrong reasons", but his message has changed in recent times, with Klopp optimistic the break from Premier League duty could help Liverpool.

He said his team "will be different" once the domestic season resumes, with Liverpool having six weeks without a game between their November 12 clash with Southampton and the December 26 trip to Aston Villa.

The likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota will have time to recover from injuries, and Klopp's squad is not loaded with players who are likely to be first choice for their countries at the World Cup. For the likes of Mohamed Salah, who did not qualify with Egypt, there will be a break from the treadmill of game after game.

To an extent, it will be like a bonus pre-season spell for Klopp and his players, a time to recharge and refocus, with last year's quadruple push having sapped many at Anfield, particularly the late-season anguish of missing out on the Premier League and Champions League titles.

"I think fighting for four trophies and all the games that they had really took its toll," Friedel told Stats Perform.

"They've also had some injuries, they have players that are going to be leaving for the World Cup. And I think for all the clubs in the Premier League, this World Cup break – not really a break – but the World Cup is going to help them the most.

"I think after the World Cup, you're going to see a completely different Liverpool team. But I think just the injury, suspensions and mental fatigue have been the main things."

Former United States shot-stopper Friedel had a three-year spell at Liverpool from 1997 to 2000, and also played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham.

It was Liverpool who gave him his big break in England, and he has been taken aback to see Klopp's team struggle as badly as they have done this season, despite their 2021-22 exertions.

They face Spurs on Sunday, when Friedel is bound to have split loyalties. After 12 rounds of Premier League games, Liverpool have won four, drawn four and lost four, to sit ninth in the table, after consecutive defeats to Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

"[I've been] really surprised. But they've got one of the world's best managers, got one of the best squads. They had a lot of games last year, a lot of tired minds, a lot of tired legs, and they've had injuries and suspensions this year," Friedel said.

"I'm not worried about Liverpool at all. They should keep rolling with who they have and how they play. They'll come out of it and they'll be consistent again, and I couldn't say enough nice things about Jurgen Klopp and what he's done for the club."

He holds the belief Liverpool can still finish in the top four, to earn Champions League football next season.

"I think they're going to be there," Friedel said. "There's always a team from the bottom that comes up."

He says the sale of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich and arrival in his place of Darwin Nunez always meant there would be a transition period.

"When big players come and go, that happens all the time at clubs," Friedel said. "I would say [it is having] more of an impact as it's taking a little bit longer for Nunez to have consistent form.

"Losing a player happens. Once Nunez finds his feet, and I know Liverpool also have the ways and means to go out in the transfer market again, they'll get that position right."

Beth Mead has stated her opposition to the men's World Cup going ahead in Qatar, with England's Euro 2022 hero saying it shows there is "no respect on a lot of levels".

With the Qatar 2022 finals beginning on November 20, players are poised to depart within days for the finals.

Qatar's human rights record has been widely criticised, with its treatment of groups such as the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers particularly highlighted by campaign groups

Mead, who is in a relationship with her Arsenal team-mate Vivianne Miedema, said the tournament was one she would not "be backing or promoting".

Qatar was awarded the World Cup in December 2010 after a vote of FIFA members, to the disbelief of many in the game.

Officials from Qatar have strenuously denied allegations of corruption in the process, while saying the tournament will be a force for good in the country, and now they will get the world stage for football's most prestigious event.

Mead told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour: "For me, from the minute it was announced I thought, 'I mean, it's not the best idea'.

"The way they think and how they go is the complete opposite to what I believe and respect, and although I'm cheering for the boys who are going to play football there, I still don't believe it's the right place."

Mead was player of the tournament and Golden Boot winner in England's women's European Championship triumph, and she will hit the global stage next year when Australia and New Zealand co-host the Women's World Cup.

She is disappointed that a country with Qatar's rights record got to this point in being given such a platform by football's authorities.

"But unfortunately money talks," Mead said, "and the situation even of the stadiums being built and the amount of people who have passed [died] because of that, it's not an ideal situation, and it's not something I will be backing or promoting at all, but unfortunately it is going ahead.

"Just disappointing, I guess, in that sense of there's no respect on a lot of levels, even though it's a game of football."

Jurgen Klopp believes it is unfair to expect players to engage in political protests at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

The decision to host the tournament in Qatar – where male homosexuality is illegal – has long been criticised due to concerns about the country's human rights record.

England's Harry Kane will be among eight European captains to wear a distinctive heart-adorned armband at the tournament, in order to raise awareness of the OneLove campaign against discrimination.

Meanwhile, tennis great Billie Jean King has called on players to act as "influencers" in Qatar, but Klopp believes handing down that level of responsibility is unjust.

"I understand 100 per cent that we talk about it," Liverpool manager Klopp told Sky News after receiving the Freedom of the City on Wednesday. 

"But it's not fair to talk now to the players and give responsibility to them, because it's more than 10 years ago that other people decided [to host the World Cup in Qatar], and we all accepted the decision.

"I watched documentaries recently about the election of Russia [in 2018] and Qatar, so it's not about this generation of players to say now that 'we don't go' or 'we don't do that'.

"These are the players. The tournament is in Qatar. The players go there and play the game. 

"The decision was made by other people and if you want to criticise anybody, then criticise the people who made the decision. Not the sport, not the competition and for sure, not the players. 

"It's not fair that we expect from them that they go there and make big political statements or whatever. It's just not fair."

Klopp did offer his support when asked about the OneLove campaign, but reiterated his belief players should not be expected to protest the initial decision to stage the tournament in Qatar.

He said: "That's absolutely fine, but what I don't like is that we expect them [the players] to do something. They go there to play football. The big tournament was organised and planned by other people."

Last week, Australia's players launched a campaign to highlight World Cup host Qatar’s human rights record.

Graham Potter fears for the fitness of Ben Chilwell after the Chelsea full-back limped off against Dinamo Zagreb, just 19 days before England start their World Cup campaign.

Denis Zakaria scored what proved to be the winner just 30 minutes into his Chelsea debut after Raheem Sterling had cancelled out Bruno Petkovic's seventh-minute opener on Wednesday.

Chelsea congratulated one another with muted celebrations at the final whistle, though, after Chilwell was helped off the Stamford Bridge pitch by the Blues medical team following a hamstring injury.

Head coach Potter conceded the left-back's injury looks "not great" and leaves both Chelsea and England concerned over the left-back's fitness.

"Not great, he pulled up like that when he turned – not positive at the moment," Potter said of Chilwell's injury after the 2-1 Champions League win.

"It's a blow for us after an otherwise positive game, to see him pull up like that is not a great sight.

"Fingers crossed when we get it scanned it isn't as bad, it can be not as severe, but clearly we are disappointed."

Potter became the first Chelsea boss since Roberto Di Matteo, who won the competition in the 2011-12 season, to go unbeaten in his first five Champions League games in charge.

The Blues had already secured progression to the knockout stages as Group E winners, but delivered a performance that matched Potter's expectations in their final group game.

"I'm really pleased to get the win. I thought Denis was really good, he played with enthusiasm, he got forward and I'm really pleased with him. It was a great debut," Potter told BT Sport.

"The worry would be if you're not creating the chances. Our intent was good, our play was good and the quality was there from the players.

"We got a win, we got a performance. We're a work in progress but we can be pleased with our Champions League performance."

Zakaria became the 15th player to score on his Champions League debut for Chelsea, with what was his first attempt for the club, though he was made to wait for his chance for the Blues after joining on loan from Juventus in the last transfer window.

"Very, very difficult I have to say. I like to play and always want to play," Zakaria told BT Sport when asked about the wait for his debut.

"When you have to see your team-mates from the bench it is not easy but I was always behind the team and was waiting for my chance. Today it came and I took my chance."

Chelsea host Arsenal in Sunday's crunch Premier League clash and Zakaria hopes an impressive debut will work him another start, adding: "I hope so but I think that is a question you will have to ask the coach!"

Tennis great Billie Jean King believes it is "important" for people to go to the World Cup in Qatar and "be an influencer" amid ongoing concerns over the country's human rights record.   FIFA's decision to allow Qatar to host the World Cup has faced persistent criticism, with concerns cited over the human rights standards in a country where same-sex relationships are prohibited.   England captain Harry Kane will be among eight skippers to wear a distinctive heart-adorned armband at the tournament, raising awareness for the OneLove campaign against discrimination   King has been a regular promoter of equality, helping to secure equal prize money at tennis' four majors, and outlined her support for Qatar, where she would not be against hosting the WTA's Billie Jean Cup.   "I probably would be because, first of all, the WTA went there years ago," the 78-year-old responded when asked if she would allow her tournament's finals to be held by the World Cup hosts.   "I get a lot of different people coming to me saying 'why would you play there the way they treat women?' But personally, I think it's important to show up and be an influencer.   "I think it's delicate, no question. But I think it's important to go if you get the opportunity and everything else fits too, not just go there for money or whatever."

Qatar faced more scrutiny after an Amnesty International report in 2021 alleged thousands of migrant workers were exploited, with the country's government denying those claims but acknowledging problems.

King is no stranger to the Middle East either, having supported the WTA Finals being played in Doha, where she said the tournament created opportunities for female tennis players.

"We were there four or five years and I think it helped," the American added. "When I went there I did a clinic for the kids but only for the girls.

"Somebody was left-handed, which is sinister to them, and this mother was saying she hoped her left-handed daughter could one day become a champion and get rid of that stigma.

"These are the kind of discussions you can have when you're physically there. So I'm big on going actually, even if I know it's a fine line of how you do it."

The World Cup starts in 18 days when Qatar face Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer revealed he has previously been treated for skin cancer and underwent three operations on his face.

Neuer has joined forces with three-time tennis grand slam champion Angelique Kerber to release a skincare range called 'Newkee' and revealed the personal reasons for his involvement.

The 36-year-old had not previously disclosed the medical information, with the timeframe remaining unclear on the operation, though he was pictured last year playing with bandaging over his face.

"We both have a very personal history of skin diseases. In Angelique's case it's sun-related hyperpigmentation," the Germany veteran said in a press release launching the skincare range.

"In my case it's skin cancer on my face, which I've already had to have operated on three times."

Neuer has not featured for Bayern since October 8 due to a shoulder injury, but could be fit for the Bundesliga trip to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

His return would prove a welcome boost for Germany, whose World Cup campaign starts against Japan in 21 days, as Hansi Flick's side aim for global glory in Qatar.

Bayern trail unlikely leaders Union Berlin by a point at the Bundesliga summit, with three games left to play before the break for the World Cup.

Erik ten Hag's obsession with success has both surprised and impressed Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.

The Brazil international moved to United from Real Madrid as part of Ten Hag's spending spree heading into his first season Old Trafford, joining compatriot Antony in making the move to England.

Casemiro has made an impression at United already, and the same is the case for the 30-year-old when it comes to the former Ajax coach.

A mainstay of Madrid's midfield for much of the last decade, Casemiro has won the Champions League five times and LaLiga on three occasions, but acknowledged he has been taken aback by Ten Hag's will to win.

"After being in football for quite a while even though I'm only 30, his obsession for winning is what surprised me the most," he said in a press conference ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash against Real Sociedad.

"I think he's got many strengths, we all know it's a process and we're growing together. We want to win and he is obsessed with teaching us and making us better to the millimetre.

"That obsession with winning is something I've only seen with very few managers."

Ten Hag was equally positive about Casemiro's growing impact at United.

"He told me he needs a new challenge because at Real Madrid he won everything," he said.

"He was a big part at Real Madrid and they didn't want him to go but he had the feeling 'I have to go to another club, another league to prove myself and that shows his hunger. I really like that.

"From the first day he has come with that attitude in every training, every match and I really like it. He will be more and more important to our team."

Casemiro is set to be a key figure for Brazil at the upcoming World Cup, though he is putting any thought of the tournament to one side for now.

"This game is too important to start thinking about the World Cup," Casemiro said when asked if he was concerned about sustaining an injury prior to travelling to Qatar with his national team.

"I think any player who thinks like that will pick up an injury at the end. I'm focussing on the game."

Bukayo Saka has returned to training with Arsenal, easing fears regarding his chances of featuring for England at the World Cup.

Saka was forced off in the 27th minute of Sunday's 5-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest following a heavy challenge from Renan Lodi, having assisted Gabriel Martinelli's opener.

The youngster's injury led to fears he might not be fit to feature in Gareth Southgate's squad for Qatar, but on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta confirmed Saka had overcome the problem.

With Arsenal looking to top their Europa League group by beating Zurich, Saka has joined Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mohamed Elneny in making a return to training.

"They are in different stages, obviously. Mo had a long-term injury but has recovered in a really good way and has been training with the team for a week or two," Arteta said in a press conference.

"Oleks' [return] was very recent, and he trained in just two sessions, and Bukayo just missed one or two and was fine today."

Arteta was asked whether Saka wanted to play on after suffering the injury, and stressed the importance of making a rapid decision in such situations. 

"We're using our brains and our common sense, but obviously he had a kick and wasn't comfortable," Arteta added. 

"We made a decision to get him off, and now he's feeling fine. We'll assess each individual as it comes.

"We had to make a decision and we couldn't delay a situation like that, because every minute that a player is not 100 per cent to play, it's costing the team. We have to make those decisions quickly."

Asked whether officials offer enough protection to players like Saka, the Gunners boss added: "I'm sure the referees have looked at all the incidents, all the fouls, the number of fouls our front players are getting, and it's their job to manage that situation in the best possible way."

Son Heung-min was forced off with a worrying-looking head injury in Tottenham's Champions League match with Marseille.

A 23rd-minute aerial collision between Son and Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba led to a lengthy break in play. 

In visible pain, Son was eventually helped off the field by Spurs' medical team as he struggled to walk.

The incident will spark fears for both Tottenham and South Korea, with Son's national team due to open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay in just 23 days.

Whether South Korea's star man will be fit for that match on November 24 remains to be seen, as they look to make it out of the World Cup group stage for the first time since the 2010 edition in South Africa.

Spurs will be in action three more times before the World Cup starts, with Premier League fixtures against Liverpool and Leeds United either side of a third-round EFL Cup meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Gareth Southgate says his position as England manager makes it difficult for him to speak out on political issues ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

 Harry Kane will be among several captains to wear a distinctive heart-adorned armband at the tournament, as part of the OneLove campaign against discrimination.

The captains of the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland and Wales will also wear the armband in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are criminalised.

Speaking to Iranian football podcast Gol Bezan, Southgate insisted he always endeavours to "make a difference" through his role, but must also consider the consequences of his words.

"I think there is a balance," Southgate said. "Our first job is to create a good football team, and with our national teams, there is always the opportunity to affect things beyond football.

"When that's been in a situation that has directly affected us, for example experiences of racism as a team with players from lots of different backgrounds, who have had tough journeys in their lives, we have been able to speak about those things authentically and we have been able to make a difference.

"But then there are other things that are, politically, more difficult to be clear on. With the tournament being in Qatar, we have had to do a lot of research and be clear on what we might be able to affect and what we might not be able to affect, what areas the government is dealing with.

"I have a responsibility as a national manager. I can't just speak and not think about the consequences of the position I hold, so I am always assessing all of those things and, where we can make a difference, we'd like to.

"Where we're not as informed or there are cultural differences, we also acknowledge and are respectful that other countries have differences as well.

"It is complicated, and I'm not a university-educated guy. I'm a guy who left school at 16 and is trying his best to help where I can."

England midfielder Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, says onlookers will always expect those involved in the game to do more to combat social issues. 

"When you do things as a team or as players, I'm always conscious that no matter what we do, it will never be enough," Henderson told BBC Sport.

"You've got to be satisfied in your own mind and know what you're doing you think is right and go with that."

Son Heung-min was forced off with a worrying-looking head injury in Tottenham's Champions League match with Marseille.

A 23rd-minute aerial collision between Son and Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba led to a lengthy break in play. 

In visible pain, Son was eventually helped off the field by Spurs' medical team as he struggled to walk.

The incident will spark fears for both Tottenham and South Korea, with Son's national team due to open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay in just 23 days.

Whether South Korea's star man will be fit for that match on November 24 remains to be seen, as they look to make it out of the World Cup group stage for the first time since the 2010 edition in South Africa.

Spurs will be in action three more times before the World Cup starts, with Premier League fixtures against Liverpool and Leeds United either side of a third-round EFL Cup meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Sergio Ramos has described the prospect of returning to Luis Enrique's Spain squad for the World Cup as a "dream" after enjoying a strong start to the season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Ramos has won an incredible 180 caps for Spain – more than any other player in the country's history – and has played at each of the past four World Cups.

However, the defender was left out of Luis Enrique's squad for Euro 2020 after an injury-plagued final season with Real Madrid, and only made eight Ligue 1 starts in his first campaign with PSG.

Having already made 10 league starts this season, Ramos is targeting a first international appearance since March 2021 against Kosovo and believes he will play at the highest level for several more years.

"Everyone knows what it means to me to defend the colours of my country," Ramos said at a news conference ahead of PSG's Champions League fixture against Juventus on Wednesday.

"After a difficult season, I feel good again, I'm playing again and I'm available. I still hope to return to the selection, and I dream of the World Cup. 

"But we have to wait and continue to play at the best level to convince the coach. I hope I will have the chance to play in another World Cup.

"Last year was difficult. I was injured, I had to adapt after spending most of my career at Real. At no time did I think it was the end of my career. It was a challenge. 

"Last year is forgotten. There have been changes and I'm happy, I'm totally adapted to Paris and I'm hungry for titles. 

"If I think it is over, I will stay at home to take care of my children, but I think I can last a few more years at the best level in football."

Ramos became the first player in PSG's history to remain unbeaten through their first 30 appearances for the club with Saturday's 4-3 win over Troyes, a game in which Lionel Messi scored his seventh league goal of the season.

Like Ramos, Messi appears to have hit his stride at the perfect time with the World Cup just around the corner, and the defender says he is fortunate to have him as a team-mate.  

"My relationship with Messi is excellent," Ramos added. "We can see on the field. There is great respect between the players and a good state of mind.

"Messi is always at the top level. He continues to be one of the most decisive players in the world. It's a privilege to have him in our team. I see him very focused, like last year. 

"Maybe he has the World Cup in the back of his mind, but he's focused on being good on the pitch."