Spanish defender Gerard Pique announces international exit

Gerard Pique

Spain centre-back Gerard Pique confirmed that he had ended a glittering international career on Saturday, saying that the appointment of his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique would not change his mind. Pique, 31, made the last of his 102 international appearances in Spain's World Cup last-16 loss to Russia.

Enrique took over as coach after the World Cup last month, which saw Fernando Hierro in temporary charge following the shock sacking of Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament. "I talked to him a week or two ago. I told him that the decision was already made," Pique said ahead of the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.

Pique is the latest member of the great World Cup-winning Spanish side to quit the national team, following the likes of former Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

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