Gerard Pique to quit Spain duty after 2018 World Cup

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 10 October 2016

Gerard Pique confirms that he will retire from international duty with Spain after the 2018 World Cup because he 'can't bear it' anymore.

Gerard Pique has confirmed that he will retire from international duty with Spain after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Barcelona defender made the announcement after receiving criticism from supporters for cutting off the sleeves of his shirt for Sunday's World Cup qualifying win over Albania.

Pique, who has been criticised by fans before for his support of Catalan independence, was accused on social media of deliberately removing the Spain flag on his shirt.

The Spanish Football Federation issued a statement defending the 29-year-old, claiming that he cut off the sleeves for comfort.

The man himself has now admitted that he has grown tired of playing for his country.

"I have tried everything, but I can't bear this anymore," Sky Sports News quotes Pique as saying. "Today's issue of the sleeves is 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, who has won a World Cup and European Championship with Spain, has earned 84 caps so far in his international career.