Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has revealed that he came close to "walking away" from football two years ago.
The Catalans endured a difficult campaign in 2013-14, finishing second in LaLiga to Atletico Madrid, who also knocked them out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
Pique's World Cup campaign in Brazil fared little better, as Spain were dumped out during the group stage following a 5-1 thrashing by Netherlands and a 2-0 loss to Chile.
"Motivation is everything," he said, speaking ahead of Barca's Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.
"I was close to quitting Spain, quitting Barca, and just walking away. You have enough money to live the rest of your life. After the 2014 World Cup, I didn't have any passion.
"I spoke with several coaches and decided to keep going. Maybe it was because I won everything at a young age.
"Then they spoke about Luis Enrique coming, bringing in some fresh air, trying to get back as one of the best teams in the world. I wanted to be a part of it, and now I'm at the peak of my career, having fun."
"Yes, it is a final decision," he said. "I didn't want to announce my decision then, but I wasn't too happy with the stories which were later proven to be false, so I felt the need to announce it then.
"I've read Twitter, stories in Marca and AS saying things, but this is a decision I have taken because I think I deserve to leave how and when I want to.
"If the coach calls me up [in 2018], I will have played for Spain for 10 years and I think that's the best option for me, to take a step to the side, to allow future generations to take the space I've taken over this time."
