Spain defender Gerard Pique will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup following a controversy surrounding his shirt sleeves.
Pique has been a constant figure in the Spain defence since 2009 but the Barcelona defender has revealed he intends to stop representing his nation after the next major tournament in two years time.
The 29-year-old, according to Spanish news outlet COPE, has said: “After the 2018 World Cup I’ll quit the Spain national team.
“I have thought about this very carefully. This is not a decision I take lightly.”.
The centre-back has 85 caps for the international side and has helped Spain to the World Cup in 2012 and the European Championship in 2012.
The Barcelona player is unpopular with some Spain fans for his support of independence for Catalonia.
In Sunday’s 2-0 win in Albania, his shirt – unlike his colleagues – did not have a Spanish flag trim on the sleeve.
After social media criticism, the Spanish FA released a statement to explain why, and defend Pique.
Pique was wearing the long-sleeved shirt – as was Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos – which does not feature the flag trim.
The statement said that Pique had cut the sleeves off his shirt, “the same way other players have done on many occasions,” for comfort.
Pique, who won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, said: “I have tried everything, but I can’t bear this anymore.
“Today’s issue of the sleeves is the the straw that breaks the camel. They’ve managed to make me lose the excitement of coming here and although after Russia I’ll only be 31, I’ll leave.”
Pique has starred in six La Liga matches so far this campaign, scoring twice, and has been a crucial figure for the national team in the back-line over the last six years.
The former Manchester United man follows in the footsteps of former teammate Wayne Rooney, who himself has confirmed his intention to step away from international duty with England following the culmination of the 2018 World Cup.
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