Gerard Pique: This has been my worst experience, I could quit Spain team
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ByEurosport
Updated 02/10/2017 at 18:29 GMT
An emotional Gerard Pique has said he will step down from Spain duty if his views on Catalan independence represents an issue for the Spain national team, and added that the match against Las Palmas was his worst experience as a professional.
Gerard Pique: I can step down from Spain duty
Image credit: Getty Images
Pique, a vocal proponent of Catalan independence, spoke to assorted media in the wake of Barcelona’s match against Las Palmas.
The Catalans won the match that was played behind closed doors after there were violent clashes following the disputed independence referendum.
"If any directors or if the Spanish FA believe that I could be a problem or annoy the national team then I am willing to step aside," Pique said post-match.
"I am proud of the Catalan people," a clearly emotional Pique added.
This has been my worst experience as a professional
“We have had seven years of demonstrations without violence and what happened today has been seen around the world.”
Spanish riot police on Sunday burst into polling stations across Catalonia to try to halt the banned referendum on a split from Spain and Catalan officials said 337 people were injured in the crackdown, Reuters reported, with social media awash with videos of clashes.
Additional reporting via Reuters
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