Barça player Piqué to quit Spain squad
Gerard Piqué, one of FC Barcelona’s most iconic players, will quit Spain’s national team in 2018. The defender stunned reporters after the Spain vs Albania match on Sunday by declaring that he was“tired”of some supporters criticism who “don’t want”him in the squad. The relationship between Spain’s national team and Pique has repeatedly ruffled feathers, not only due to Pique’s commitment to Barça and some jibes aimed at Real Madrid, but also for his clear support for Catalonia’s independence. Piqué’s decision to cut the sleeves from his shirt, which bore the Spanish colours of yellow and red, for the Spain vs Albania match outraged some Spanish fans who linked it to his lack of commitment to the national team. “The thing with the sleeves is the straw that has broken the camel's back”he said and lamented that he “tried everything”but couldn’t “take it anymore”. Pique has made 86 appearances for Spain and won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012. He was also part of Spain's disappointing campaigns at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Barcelona (CNA).- FC Barcelona defender, Gerard Piqué, will retire from the Spain team after the 2018 World Cup. In a statement made on Sunday before the press (after Spain’s match against Albania), he admitted being “tired”of some supporters’criticism, who “don’t want”him to be in Spain’s national team. The latest controversy arose after Piquécut the sleeves from his shirt, which bore the Spanish colours of yellow and red, for Spain’s most recent match. According to the Barça player, “the thing with the sleeves is the straw that has broken the camel's back”and he lamented that he “tried everything”but couldn’t “take it anymore”. The relationship between the Spain squad and Pique has repeatedly ruffled feathers, not only due to Pique’s commitment to Barça and some jibes aimed at Real Madrid, but also for his clear support for Catalonia’s independence.
Right after the match, Piqué admitted to being tired of some supporters’ criticism for what they consider to be a lack of commitment to Spain’s national team. “Yes, I'm tired of it and the World Cup in Russia is going to be my last commitment with Spain and then I hope I can be left in peace", he stated.
Regarding the latest controversy over the decision to cut off his shirt sleeves, Piquésalso showed his non-conformity. "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 anymore, the thing with the sleeves is the straw that has broken the camel's back.”i"I have always tried to give everything but while some people appreciate that, others think it's better for me not to be with Spain”, he stated and added that "they have succeeded in killing my joy for playing for Spain”. However, Piqué’s decision won’t be immediate and he said that he will continue to play until the next World Cup and “finish together what has been started”.
Pique has made 86 appearances for Spain and won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012. He was also part of Spain's disappointing campaigns at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
He has been booed during several Spain and Real Madrid matches due to his controversial statements about some of his rivals, certain jokes about other players and especially because of his active role in pro-independence demonstrations.
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