Wednesday 4 October 2017 19:13, UK
Gerard Pique insists he will not quit the Spain national team despite being booed by his own supporters following unrest in his native Catalonia.
The Barcelona defender has insisted it is "impossible" to doubt his commitment to a "family" that he has been a part of since he was a youth player.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Spain's next World Cup Qualifier against Albania, live on Sky Sports, Pique said: "Since the beginning of the situation, to have fans that usually cheer you whistle and insult you, has been very difficult.
"But it is impossible to question my commitment since the age of 15. I consider this a family and it is one of the reasons why I continue here.
"I have said it many times, I am very proud to be part of the Spanish selection and a group capable of winning all the titles here. I'm here to make myself clear and because the coach asked me to.
"I'll try to help the team in any way I can. We have to focus on trying to win three points against Albania. We would be almost qualified."
Pique was jeered by parts of a crowd that watched the national team train earlier this week, after a vote in Catalonia produced a 90 percent majority in favour of independence from the rest of Spain.
The vote was marred by violent clashes between police and protesters on the region's streets, and a general strike was declared on October 3, in which both La Liga clubs Barcelona and Espanyol took part.
Watch Spain v Albania on Friday and Israel v Spain on Monday in World Cup Qualifying, both live on Sky Sports Football (Red Button) from 7.40pm.
