Pique calls time on Spain career
Spain centre-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 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.
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 ahead of Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.
Pique is the latest member of the great World Cupwinning 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 key to Spain’s maiden World Cup title in 2010, while he also won Euro 2012. “It was a great stage at the Euros and World Cup,” added Pique.
“I’m very happy to have participated in all these successes, but now I want to focus on Barca. I have three years left here and the more the better.”
I’m very happy to have participated in all these successes, but now I want to focus on Barca. I have three years left here.” Gerard Pique » Spain centre-back
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Pique said making the Spanish Super Cup a one-off game rather than a two-legged contest is a welcome development — but his coach, Ernesto Valverde, is not so sure.
The Spanish Football Federation has settled on the single-game format for the Spanish Super Cup match, which will be played outside the country for the first time.
It says the change was a result of a lack of available dates because of Sevilla’s involvement in Europa League qualifiers — but it has been fiercely criticised by Sevilla’s president Jose Castro.
Meanwhile, Sevilla have threatened to file a complaint against Barcelona if they field more than three non-EU players for the match.
The Spanish said that there would be no restrictions on players from outside the EU for the Super Cup.