Pique ends tumultuous international career with Spain

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has retired from the Spanish national team, citing a desire to focus exclusively on club football.

Pique had already informed newly appointed manager Luis Enrique prior to Saturday's announcement.

"He called me and I told him the decision was taken a long time ago and that I had thought about it carefully," the 31-year-old told reporters, including Reuters' Richard Martin. "It was a beautiful time with the national team in which I had the chance to win the World Cup and the European Championship.

"Now I want to focus on Barca. I have a few years left here and I'm going to enjoy them a lot."

Pique's final appearance with La Roja came in a forgettable shootout defeat to Russia in the last 16 of the World Cup. He played more than 100 times for his country, and formed a solid partnership with Sergio Ramos in the center of defense.

Despite his indelible contributions to the national team, Pique was never universally accepted by the public. The defender's support for Catalan independence and outspoken personality caused derision among supporters, particularly after police violence marred the autonomous region's referendum in October.

His continuous criticism of Real Madrid made him few friends outside of Catalonia. He also vowed to take a step back if and when he ever became a "problem" for the Spanish football federation.

Although he would have liked Pique available for Spain's upcoming Nations League friendlies, Enrique stressed last month that he would respect his former player's wishes.