Gerard Pique: 'I will not quit Spain'

By Nathan Staples, Reporter | 10 September 2015

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique denies claims that he would end his international career after being booed by supporters while on Spain duty.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has dismissed talk that he could retire from international football and has promised to prove those who booed him wrong.

The 28-year-old was jeered by his own fans during Spain's win against Slovakia, and the situation was so poor that the Spanish Football Federation has reportedly moved their friendly against England from Madrid to Alicante due to fears of more hostility.

There had been reports that Pique was ready to walk away from the national side, but the Spanish international said in a press conference that that is not the case.

The World Cup winner told reporters: "No. I would never do that. That would imply people booing me are right. I'm going to keep on playing as long as the coach keeps picking me. I'm not going to let people down.

"I started with 13 years in the selection and my commitment remains the fullest. I will not change. Those who accept me, fine. And those who will not, they have to put up with it until the end of my career."

Pique has made 69 appearances for Spain since his debut in 2009, scoring four goals and helping the side win the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012.