Gerard Pique has announced he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup.

Pique is unpopular in some parts of Spain due to his support of independence for Catalonia.

Pique was criticized for cutting off part of the sleeve of his jersey featuring the trim of the Spanish flag until the media realized Sergio Ramos also cut off the trim.

"I have tried everything, but I can't bear this anymore," said Pique.

"Today's issue of the sleeves is the the straw that breaks the camel. They've managed to make me lose the excitement of coming here and although after Russia I'll only be 31, I'll leave."