Spain defender Gerard Pique has announced his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old made 102 appearances for Spain between 2009 and 2018, scoring five goals.

Pique was part of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup before winning the 2012 European Championship.

Pique had made his intention to retire known following Spain's exit from the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He had said that he was tired of repeated Criticism and wished to be in peace.

The Barcelona centre-back did not immediately confirm his retirement after Spain's loss to Russia at the 2018 World Cup.

Pique has now informed New manager Luis Enrique of his decision.

He said in a news conference: "I spoke to Luis Enrique a few days ago.

"He called me and I told him the decision was taken a long time ago and that I had thought about it carefully," Pique said on Saturday.

"It was a beautiful time with the national team in which I had the chance to win the World Cup and the European Championship. Now I want to focus on Barca," he added.

"I have a few years left here and I'm going to enjoy them a lot."

Barcelona, who won the La Liga and Copa Del Rey last season, play Sevilla in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday (21:00pm).

Source:>>>SPORTDAB.COM.NG
http://www.sportdab.com.ng/2018/08/spain-defender-gerard-pique-retires.html

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