Spain defender Gerard Pique confirms he will retire from international duty after 2018 World Cup
Posted Monday, October 10, 2016 by squawka.com
Gerard Pique has announced that he intends to retire from international duty with Spain following the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Pique has been a constant figure in the Spain defence since 2009 but the Barcelona defender has revealed he intends to stop representing his nation after the next major tournament in two years time.
The 29-year-old, according to Spanish news outlet COPE, has said: "After the 2018 World Cup I'll quit the Spain national team.
"I have thought about this very carefully. This is not a decision I take lightly.".
The centre-back has 85 caps for the international side and has helped Spain to the World Cup in 2012 and the European Championship in 2012.
Pique has starred in six La Liga matches so far this campaign, scoring twice, and has been a crucial figure for the national team in the back-line over the last six years.
The former Manchester United man follows in the footsteps of former teammate Wayne Rooney, who himself has confirmed his intention to step away from international duty with England following the culmination of the 2018 World Cup.
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