‘Worst experience as a professional’

EMOTIONAL PIQUE ON BARCA’S ‘DIFFICULT’ GAME PLAYED IN EMPTY NOU CAMP AS CATALONIA UNREST HITS LA LIGA

side won 3-0 but Pique said: “It was a really difficult game to play. It was my worst experience as a professional.

“We all gave our opinions [in the dressing room], there were pros and cons for playing, but in the end, we decided to play.

“I understand that there are supporters who do not understand that decision .” Pique has 91 caps f or the national team and has won the World Cup and European Championship but he says he would be willing to step aside.

He added: “I honestly think I can join up with the national team because I’m convinced there are thousands of people who totally disagree with what has happened. I also say that if the coach (Lopetegui) or anyone from the Federation thinks that I’m a problem or a nuisance then I will step aside and leave the national team before 2018.”

Tensions had been running high in the build-up to the game as political violence engulfed the city. More than 700 people were injured as police clashed with Catalans voting in an independence referendum.

Las Palmas said they would wear a Spanish flag on their shirts in a plea for “national unity” while Barca said they would include the Catalan flag in the neck of their shirts.

In keeping with the highlycharged political backdrop Lionel Messi and his teammates took to the field in the yellow and red of Catalonia before changing into their home kit.

Sergio Busquets and two goals from Messi secured leaders Barca’s seventh win from seven games.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said: “It was a weird and complicated situation for everyone.

“We wanted to win because we represent a lot of people and we want them to be happy.

“We are all aware of what happened in Catalonia.”