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Barcelona News: Gerard Pique will play for Spain despite independence vote - Lopetegui
BARCELONA star Gerard Pique will report for Spain duty on Monday regardless of the Catalan independence referendum result, insists manager Julen Lopetegui.
Barcelona's Gerard Pique will report to Spain duty on Monday
Pique is a vocal advocate of Catalan independence, a stance that has put him at odds with many Spanish football fans.
The centre-back is regularly jeered at Spain games, especially when they play in Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium.
Sunday will see a controversial referendum take place in Catalonia, with many in Spain claiming the vote is illegal.
Pique has tweeted his support of the vote, writing: “From today until Sunday we should express ourselves peacefully.
“Don't give them any excuse. It's what they want. And sing high and strong. #WeWillVote”
Pique will be with us Monday
There are concerns in the RSFF (Spanish FA) that full Catalan independence would break up the Spain national side, with Pique and a number of players then eligible for Catalonia, were it to get FIFA status.
But Lopetegui is adamant the result of the vote won’t affect Pique’s attendance next week.
"Pique will be with us Monday,” Lopetegui said.
“He will be one here, with his good disposition and commitment of always. And nothing more.”
Gerard Pique is an advocate of Catalonia independence
Thousands of students join pro-Catalan march in Barcelona
Spain face Albania and Israel in their final two World Cup qualifiers of their campaign.
Wins in both matches will see them finish above Italy in Group G and quality automatically for the tournament in Russia.
Pique has been a mainstay in the Spain side alongside Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos for a number of years.
The 30-year-old won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the 2012 European Championship.
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