Spain defender Sergi Gomes tells Sport "Pique's ambition is contagious"
The Sevilla defender played for Barcelona as a youngster
With Gerard Pique's retirement from international football, a gap has opened up for other centre-backs to get a chance with the Spain squad.
Former Barcelona defender Sergi Gomez is one player to be given an opportunity. Now at Sevilla, Pique's impact on the game has not gone missed by him.
"Gerard has been so important for the national team," he told Sport. "He's performed at such a high level and has achieved practically everything. With him no longer [playing for Spain], chances have opened up [for others].
"[Pique's] been a reference for me. I have trained and played with him. What he's done for Barcelona, for Spain... it's impeccable.
"Any centre-back that wants to bring the ball out well watches him. The way he plays prevents high pressing from opponents and finds spaces. And he scores goals!"
Asked if Pique's given him any advice, he said it's something else which the Barça defender exhibits which has helped him.
He added: "More than advice, his ambition was contagious. He's really competitive. He always wants to win. Even at 4-0, he wants to score a goal and that's transmitted to everyone else."
