“Tired” of the criticism levelled at him by supporters, Gerard Pique on Sunday said that he will retire from international soccer after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. After Spain's 2-0 win at Albania on Sunday in European qualifying for the World Cup, the Spanish defender said he felt unwanted in the national team.
The Barcelona centre-back was the focus of attention in Sunday's World Cup qualifier with Albania after having cut off the sleeves from his shirt which bore Spain's colours of yellow and red.
Pique, who has an awkward relationship with Spain fans for his repeated jibes at Real Madrid and his support for a referendum on Catalan independence, was heavily criticised on social media and in the sports press for the act.
He stunned reporters and fans after the game by declaring he was ready to quit the national team.
Pique said his decision to retire had already been made before this latest controversy and clarified that he still wanted to be with Barcelona for “several years”.
Pique, who has two children with his long-term partner, Colombian singer Shakira, helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. He has made 86 appearances for Spain and was also present in Spain’s disappointing campaigns in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
(With inputs from AP and Reuters.)
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