Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has vowed he will not quit Spain, despite coming under fire from fans in recent matches, but says he will still wish the worst to fierce rivals Real Madrid.
The Catalan defender was booed in Spain's 2-0 win over Slovakia last Saturday and international team-mate Sergio Ramos told reporters that his comments on Madrid "do not help him".
Pique mocked Madrid during Barca's treble celebrations as he made reference to Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th birthday party, which took place just hours after Real had lost 4-0 to Atletico in February and rumours suggested on Thursday that he may step down from Spain duty altogether following the boos.
But at a specially arranged press conference to discuss his situation, he said: "Quitting the national team is the last thing I would do. That would be giving in to those who whistle for the wrong reasons."
He added: "I think they [Spain fans] whistle me because of the Barca-Madrid rivalry, but I won't change. The rivalry is passionate and when one is doing well, the other is doing badly. So let's hope things go as badly as possible for Real Madrid. And those who don't like it will have to put up with me until I retire!"
Asked about Ramos, he said: "Our relationship now is better than it has been at any time since I made by debut with the national team. It was a little cold to start with, but the other night 10 or 11 of us got together in Iker [Casillas]' room and Sergio and I spoke about lots of things."
Nevertheless, the controversial comments made by Ramos earlier this week were interpreted by some as hanging Pique out to dry.
But Pique said: "He defended me before the game. Then in the mixed zone things go quickly and you say whatever. We get on really well. He's a great player and I feel very comfortable playing alongside him."
More to follow...
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