Barça defender Gerard Pique will not leave the Spanish national team

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said on Wednesday that his plan is to continue representing Spain. Despite difficult moments in recent days, with fans whistling him at training after he voted in the Catalan referendum on independence, Pique's made it clear that he will not be chased away from the national team while his team-mates and coach still want him. 

Pique, speaking at a press conference, said that Monday was not a nice day when he was jeered by Spain fans. "The first day was difficult," he admitted. "You don't like it that the people that support the national team are against you. With whistles and insults, it's not a nice environment. It is a challenge to be here and to turn things around. There are many people in Spain, and I am speaking in general, that understand dialogue and understand how I feel, how I express myself. People can think in another way, but always with respect. Everything has to be sorted and that's why I am here, with the support of the coach and my team-mates, to help in all I can with the national team. Friday is the first game." 

"I thought about stepping to the side, but leaving giving reason to the people that feel the best solution is to whistle. I'm not going to give them that luxury. I am convinced that there are people in favour of me staying and trying to give my all for the national team," he added. 

Later he said that it is "impossible to doubt my commitment [to Spain]. It's like my family. I consider it my family. It's one of the big reasons why I am here." 

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