Gerard Pique has never been one to shy away from his political views. An outspoken supporter of Catalan independence, Pique has drawn a lot of ire from fans of the Spanish National Team, especially with Catalonia trying to vote on a referendum to decide whether to declare independence from Spain.
Pique's stance on the referendum will have no effect on Pique's role with Spain, said Spanish National Team manager Julen Lopetegui.
Here's what Lopetegui told a media conference:
"Pique will train with us and I cannot say anything more about that.
"Gerard gives his all when he comes to play with us. I have no doubt with [the commitment] of Pique.
"We are not going to let anything or anyone distract our attention from these matches."
It's important to note that Lopetegui said this after Pique tweeted his support for the Catalan independence referendum yesterday.
Des d'avui i fins diumenge, expressem-nos pacíficament. No els hi donem cap excusa. És el que volen. I cantem ben alt i ben fort. #Votarem
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) September 28, 2017
The powers that be in Spain are not happy about the referendum, and have reportedly mobilized police forces to put a stop to the vote. The regional government of Catalonia and the central government in Madrid are currently arguing over whether the vote will take place. It is scheduled for Sunday.
Pique has 91 caps for Spain. He started all seven of Spain's matches at the 2010 World Cup, helping spain to victory. He played every minute at the 2012 Euros, which Spain also won. The animosity toward Catalonia's independence referendum is so high that Pique still gets yelled at regardless of what he has done for the national team.
Spain will play Albania and Israel in the upcoming international break. They need to win one of two to guarantee qualification to Russia 2018.
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