Luis Enrique fails to convince Pique to make Spain return

Gerard Piqué has explained that he won't reconsider his decision to retire from the Spanish national team. The Barcelona defender said that he'd had a chat with the new man in charge, Luis Enrique, who asked him to come back but Pique is adament he's made the right decision. "I spoke with Luis Enrique two weeks ago and I told him that my decision had been well thought out and was final. I won't go back on my word," Pique confirmed after announcing months ago his intention to walk away from international football after the 2018 World Cup.

Pique adds that he had a sensational run with Spain but that it had reached it's natural end. "I'm very happy for the successes we've had in the last few years. To win the World Cup, the European Championships, but everything comes to an end. I want to concentrate on Barça and enjoy the years I have left here."

Luis Enrique tried to tempt Pique back into the national team picture because he considers him to be one of the best centre backs in the world, knowing the player personally from his time at Barcelona. Pique was a regular starter under Luis Enrique but he now knows that he'll need to form a new defensive wall in the absence of the Barça man.