Pique vows not to retire from Spain

Gerard Pique vowed not to retire from Spanish duty in an impassioned press conference.

The defender, who tearfully offered his resignation from the Spain team at the weekend amid violence following the Catalan independence referendum, was whistled at during a Spain training session.

An image of Pique outside Barca's Camp Nou stadium has been the subject of vandalism, with the large poster, that also features Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez, having graffiti drawn onto it following the uproar over the referendum.

"The first day of training was difficult. Nobody likes it when there are people against you. It's not pleasant to receive insults," he said, at a news conference ahead of their final World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Israel.

"But it's a challenge for me. I want to help the national team in every way I can, above all on the pitch. I came here 15 years ago and it's been like a family to me. It's one of the big reasons I keep coming here.

"I have considered [stepping aside]. You have to assess all options, but after thinking about it, I believe the best thing is to continue."

UCJ, UNILORIN.