Barcelona star Gerard Piqué has received widespread praise following his post-match comments regarding respect across the Spanish debate on Catalonia's independence.
Gerard Piqué called for respect throughout Spain after representing Catalonia in a friendly against Venezuela. The defender and former Spain international Piqué played as Catalonia defeated South American visitors Venezuela 2-1 in Girona.
The 32-year-old came out of retirement, having ended his Spain career following the 2018 World Cup, to make his 10th appearance for Catalonia – whose fixture against Venezuela did not have official status.
There were reports of anti-Spain chants during the match at Estadi Montilivi amid the ongoing tension following the Catalan independence referendum in 2017, which was deemed illegal by the Spanish government.
Piqué was asked about his decision to quit Spain last year and the veteran insisted he has no regrets and ready in case to come back.