Pique: I will retire from international duty after 2018 World Cup
Gerard Pique has announced his intention to retire from the Spain national team duty after the country's expected involvement at the next World Cup.
"The 2018 World Cup in Russia will be my last appearance for the Spanish national team," Pique said after Sunday's 2-0 win in Albania, as translated by MARCA. "I've thought about it a lot.
"This isn't a spur of the moment decision."
The Barcelona defender has been a divisive figure among La Roja support due to his forthright belief that Catalonia should separate from the rest of Spain. His latest in a long line of controversies came in the weekend's World Cup qualifier, when he was incorrectly adjudged to have cut off the end of his sleeves on the national team's away shirt, an area which displayed the colours of the Spanish flag.
(Courtesy: @Eurosport_ES)
The Royal Spanish Football Federation refuted these claims in an official statement, pointing out that the long-sleeved version of the jersey doesn't include the decorative band of Spanish colours. It was a long-sleeved shirt that he trimmed, given that he had an inner shirt already covering his arms.
Upon hearing these accusations that he removed the Spanish colours from his garment, it appeared it was the final straw for Pique.
Regardless of what happens in Russia, the 29-year-old has announced his intention to focus solely on club matters as a European Championship and World Cup winner on the international stage.
He's influentially manned the backline for Spain over 85 caps - evoking legitimate calls for the captain's armband from his supporters - but Pique has received some booing from sections of the Spanish fan base due to his views on Catalan independence. When his service winds down it will be deemed undeniably successful, but arguably underappreciated.
Julen Lopetegui's side has begun its World Cup qualification campaign in decent form with seven points from a possible nine, and sits atop Group G courtesy of a significantly stronger goal difference than Italy.