Pique ready to retire from Spain duty amidst referendum controversy

October 2, 2017
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has made it clear that he is ready to retire from international duty if his views on the Catalonia independence referendum are deemed an issue.

The centre-back was often booed when playing for Spain because of his support for Catalonia’s independence and he is now again under the spotlight after yesterday’s vote.

Pique posted a picture of himself voting for the independence and he now admits that he wouldn’t have a problem withdrawing from the Spain squad ahead of the 2018 World Cup if needed.

“I think I can continue,” said Pique.

“But if the board really thinks I’m a problem, I will take a step back and leave the national team before 2018.

“There are many people in Spain who disagree with what happened today and believe in democracy.”

Barcelona played the game against Las Palmas behind closed doors after the league refused to postpone the match due to vote related violence, and Pique reveals they even considered not playing the game.

“The board tried to suspend the match, but it wasn’t possible. We debated it and the club decided we should play.

“I am and I feel Catalan, today more than ever. I am proud of the behaviour of the people of Catalonia. Voting is a right that must be defended.”

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