Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has announced he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup after admitting he cannot “bear to play for Spain anymore”.
The former Manchester United centre-back splits opinion within Spain, with some fans disliking him for his support of Catalan independence.
He clashed with the Spanish fans once again after cutting the sleeves of his shirt for Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Goals from Diego Costa and Nolito secured all three points but Pique’s disagreement dominated the post-match headlines.
The 29-year-old, wore a long-sleeve shirt alongside Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, but fans on social media claimed the centre-back had intentionally removed the Spain flag from the sleeve of his shirt.
The Spanish Football Federation has jumped to his defence and claimed the defender did it for comfort, but Pique insists Sunday’s response is the final straw.
He has claimed some fans have ruined his love for the game and he plans to go out after the World Cup in Russia.
“I have tried everything, but I can’t bear this anymore,” Pique told reporters. “Today’s issue of the sleeves is the straw that breaks the camel.
“They’ve managed to make me lose the excitement of coming here and although after Russia I’ll only be 31, I’ll leave.”
Pique has picked up 84 caps for Spain so far and has enjoyed a glittering international career after winning the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
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