Barcelona’s Gerard Piqué offers to end Spain career over Catalan turmoil

The Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué says he is ready to stand down from Spain duty if he is deemed a “problem” by the national team coach, Julen Lopetegui, or the Spanish Football Federation as a result of his support for Catalan independence.
Piqué made the claim in an emotional interview after Barca’s home match against Las Palmas, which was played behind closed doors as a protest on a day when violent scenes broke out during Catalonia’s unofficial independence referendum.
According to Catalan health officials, more than 750 people were injured as security forces used rubber bullets and baton charges as they clashed with protesters.
Piqué, having been pictured casting his vote in the election earlier in the day, played the full match against Las Palmas before speaking to reporters about the decision to go ahead with the fixture, his international future and Sunday’s events in the region.
The Barcelona-born defender said: “You vote yes, no, or leave it blank, but you vote. In the Franco era we couldn’t defend our ideas. I am, and I feel Catalan, and I am very proud of the people, of their behaviour, like in the last seven years.”
Attempts to shut down the polls by Spain’s Guardia Civil led to clashes described by Catalonia’s president, Carles Puigdemont, as “unwarranted, irrational and irresponsible”.
Piqué, who was also critical of the prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, continued: “After what has transpired it has been my worst experience as a professional. It has been a tough day. There were families, children and grandparents, and the police and Guardia Civil have intervened.
“The people protested without violence. I thought they would try to stop the vote in a peaceful way. Everyone has seen what happened. They’ve made things worse. This is among the worst decisions in the last 50 years. They’ve separated Catalonia from Spain even more and there will be consequences.”
Barcelona, La Liga leaders, had asked the Spanish football authorities to postpone Sunday’s game against Las Palmas, citing the unusual circumstances. But when the club’s request was rejected by the Madrid-based Liga de Futbol Profesional, Barca took the remarkable step of playing the top-flight fixture in an empty Nou Camp. They won 3-0 to stretch their winning start to seven games.
Piqué said: “The board tried to postpone the game at all costs. We debated it between the players and the club and chose to play. It was difficult without the supporters. There were many arguments in favour and against but we were playing for the points and the league and Las Palmas wanted to play.
“The club have decided and that’s it. My opinion is not so important. I expressed mine, like the board members expressed theirs. In the end it was decided to play the game. We are a club and we are all in it together. But I understand perfectly those who criticise us for having played.”
Piqué is now due to link up with the Spanish national team for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Israel – but says he is willing to step aside before next year’s finals if his involvement is an issue.
The former Manchester United centre-back has played almost 100 matches for Spain and helped them win the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012.
He said: “I honestly think I can join up with the national team because I’m convinced there are thousands of people who totally disagree with what has happened.
“I also say that, if the coach or anyone from the Federation thinks I’m a problem or a nuisance, then I will step aside and leave the national team before 2018.”

SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS
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