Gerard Pique is just as controversial as he is talented and this time the Barcelona defender finds himself in trouble due to trimming is shirt sleeves.
Pique has been under the scanner for publicly backing the Catalan independence, and has also been accused of further infuriating to the already intense Barcelona-Real Madrid feud.
But, Pique has faced criticism this time due to trimming his Spain jersey sleeves. A part of Spanish media is claiming that the defender trimmed the sleeves on purpose to remove Spain’s flag.
The 29-year-old has already stated that he intends to retire after the 2018 World Cup, but the former Manchester United star added that such incidents added fule to fire.
Pique also provided evidence that he did not cut out the flag by showing pictures of his pre-altered jersey.
“I’ve tried everything but I cannot take any more,” he said in a statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
“Today with the sleeves is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. They’ve made it so I’ve lost the excitement of coming here, and although after Russia I’ll only be 31, I’ll leave.”
The RFEF have also backed the defender.
“The Royal Spanish Football Federation wants to show their support for the Spanish international Gerard Pique regarding the controversy caused by the cutting of long sleeves of his shirt in the match played against Albania,” a statement read.
“Contrary to what was indicated by some malicious comments – that the player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours – the RFEF wishes to clarify that this trimming only exists in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique wore in the match.
“This lack of trimming can be seen on the shirt of his partner, Sergio Ramos, who also worse long sleeves.
“The player cut his sleeves with the sole purpose of playing more comfortably, like other internationals have done on many occasions.
“Unfair criticism of Gerard Pique has caused him to declare that he will leave the Spanish team after the World Cup in Russia.”