Skip to main content

Lopetegui happy to call on Pique despite referendum tweet

Julen Lopetegui had no hesitation in including Gerard Pique in his latest Spain squad, despite the Barcelona defender's latest social media post.

On Thursday, Pique tweeted his backing for Catalan independence and called for peaceful expression of opinions ahead of the planned referendum this weekend.

"Pique will train with us and I cannot say anything more about that," he told a media conference.

"Gerard gives his all when he comes to play with us. I have no doubt with [the commitment] of Pique.

"We are not going to let anything or anyone distract our attention from these matches."

Forwards Rodrigo and Jose Callejon are both named ahead of Gerard Deulofeu and Vitolo, while Asier Illarramendi's impressive early season form for Real Sociedad sees him recalled.