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Although the backlash from a mistaken situation was harsh on Gerard Pique, there was a lot of support coming his way from millions of fans who don't want him to leave the national team after the World Cup. But some pundits and fans believe that leaving is the best option for him, there are some football personalities who have scrutinized him for the whole situation and believe he deserves being criticized by everyone.
But for Xavi who is also Catalan-born, this debate had no basis and was completely unjustified. Talking to RAC1, he said: "I find this whole debate completely absurd. It's embarrassing. Anyone who hasn't been following this would think he'd ripped the badge from his shirt. Nobody forces anyone to do anything and if you don't want to play, like Oleguer back in the day, then you don't. Now, if they call you up and you accept, like Pique did, you do it to be part of the team. The objective is the same for everyone: to win.
"So much importance is given to the few idiots who speak out and say stupid things. These accusations that he lacks commitment, or that if you cover the colors of the flag on your socks… I suffered from that myself, although I took it light-heartedly. I don't know [how he is taking it], but he's probably sick of everything. They've been disrespectful with Pique and they've accused him of everything. His reaction is understandable. He's grown tired and lost enthusiasm and it makes sense to me. Nobody forces you to play for the national team. Carles Puyol and I have suffered it too for years. Pique took it seriously. He has the right to say he's fed up of it and doesn't want to go anymore. That's totally fine."
Photo credit: Seleccion Española
