Gerard Pique says the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be his final tournament with Spain because he feels he is not wanted in the national team.
"I always give everything I have on the field, but there are people who think it's better if I'm not here," Pique said. "After Russia, a stage will have ended for me."
The player is often jeered by many Spaniards because of his pro-Catalonia stance. He recently appeared to support a pro-independence move by the Catalan region, upsetting those who opposed it.
Pique stirred a social media controversy during Sunday's match by cutting the sleeves of his football jersey instead of changing into the short sleeves which have the colors of the Spanish flag. He said the long sleeves were bothering him. Pique said his decision to retire had already been made before this latest controversy.