SM
Sunday, November 24
Upcoming predictions and previews

Gerard Pique insists he will not quit Spain duty over fan abuse

:Headline: Gerard Pique insists he will not quit Spain duty over fan abuse: ID:308774: from db_amp
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists that he will not retire from international duty because of fan abuse that he has received over his stance on Catalan independence.

Gerard Pique has insisted that he will not allow fans to force him out of the Spain national team over his political views.

The Barcelona defender has been vocal about his stance in favour of Catalan independence and praised the voters from Sunday's referendum, which was marred by police violence.

During Monday's training session ahead of Spain's World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Israel, fans hurled abuse at Pique, urging him to quit the national team.

The 30-year-old recently admitted that he would walk away from international duty if his views became a problem for the Spanish Football Federation, but during his pre-match press conference, the defender insisted that his commitment should not be questioned.

"I want to talk, to solve this problem," Pique told reporters. "Being insulted is not nice but it is a challenge for me, I aim to turn this around. Many people across Spain want talks and dialogue.

"I've been coming here since a 15-year-old and here this is like a family for me. You cannot doubt my commitment to the national side. It hurts me that you doubt my commitment. I am proud to be in the national team and be part of this group.

"I've considered retiring as it would be easier for my teammates, but that would be a victory for those whistling. There are many more who oppose their actions than those who carry them out, I am sure of it.

"I don't want to go out of the national team through the back door - the easy route. This team and the federation are my family. I want to continue for them."

Pique has won 91 international caps.

amp_article__308774 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2017-10-04 17:27:13:
html db last update - 2017-10-04 17:27:13 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Gerard Pique

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Share this article now:
Read more about Gerard Pique Football
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
3Real Madrid1283125111427
4Villarreal137422521425
5Osasuna146441922-322
6GironaGirona146352018221
7Mallorca146351312121
8Athletic Bilbao135531913620
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad135351110118
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .