Pique gets support in sleeve row
Print Edition
SPAIN defender Gerard Pique has received support from coach Julen Lopetegui and the Spanish football federation after declaring his intention to quit international football following the 2018 World Cup.
The Barcelona defender, who has made 86 appearances and won a World Cup and a European Championship with Spain, said constant criticism from fans and the media had “killed my joy in playing for Spain” after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania.
Pique, who has been booed by supporters in the last year, caused a stir on social media by appearing against Albania with the sleeves cut off his Spain shirt, thus appearing to remove the bands displaying the red and yellow colors of Spain.
The RFEF released a statement yesterday with a photo highlighting that the long-sleeved shirt Pique had modified did not have the red and yellow stripes on its original design. “The Royal Spanish Football Federation wishes to show its support to Gerard Pique about the controversy regarding the cut made on his jersey in the match against Albania,” the statement said.
“This is contrary to some malicious comments made after the Spanish player was accused of cutting the sleeves of the jersey to avoid wearing the band with the national colors.”
Spain coach Lopetegui said he sympathized with the defender. “This does deserve any comment as I don’t think it’s a serious issue,” he said.
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