Spain center-back Gerard Pique confirmed that he had ended a glittering international career on Saturday, saying that the appointment of his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique as the Spaniards manager would not change his mind.
The 31-year-old made the last of his 102 international appearances in Spain’s World Cup last-16 loss to Russia, AFP reported.
Enrique took over as coach after the World Cup last month, which saw Fernando Hierro in temporary charge following the shock sacking of Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament.
“I talked to him (Enrique) a week or two ago. I told him that the decision was already made,” Pique said.
Pique is the latest member of the great World Cup-winning Spanish side to quit the national team, following the likes of former Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.
His defensive partnership with Carles Puyol was a key to Spain’s maiden World Cup title in 2010, while he also won Euro 2012.
Despite his success, though, he was often jeered by his own supporters while with the national team because of comments about Real Madrid and because he supports a referendum on Catalan independence.
“It was a great stage at the Euro and World Cup,” added Pique. “I’m very happy to have participated in all these successes, but now I want to focus on Barca.”
Add new comment
Read our comment policy before posting your viewpoints