“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.
I always give everything I have on the field, but there are people who think it’s better if I’m not here. After Russia, a stage will have ended for me.Gerard Pique
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.
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I cut my shirt because the sleeves were very short and they were bothering me. I’ve tried everything but I can’t take it any more, the thing with the sleeve is the straw that has broken the camel’s back.Gerard Pique
He stunned reporters and fans after the game by declaring he was ready to quit the national team.
Yes, I’m tired of it and the World Cup in Russia is going to be my last commitment with the Spain team and then I hope I can be left in peaceGerard Pique
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”.
It’s not a ‘heat of the moment’ decision, I’ve given a lot of thought to this. It’s not because of what happened today, it’s because I always give my best on the field and, although there are some people who have thanked me, some don’t think it’s OK for me to be here.
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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