Gerard Pique is prepared to quit the Spanish national team amid Catalonia's referendum on its independence.

Pique has long been a supporter of Catalan independence.

"If anyone believes I am a problem for the federation, I will step aside from the national team before the World Cup [in Russia next summer]," Pique said.

"Going with the national team is not a competition in patriotism, it's about trying to play the best you possibly can."