Gerard Pique Whistled and Booed by His Own Fans During Spain's Match
Gerard Pique has clearly upset some people in Spain with the way he celebrated Barcelona's treble.ย
The centre-back appeared to have a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo after Barcelona won the Champions League, citing the Real Madrid star's birthday party as a key moment that turned around the season of both clubs.ย
Many Real Madrid fans also support Spain, though, and added to Pique's apparent support for Catalan independence, that means he is not the most popular national-team player.ย
That appeared particularly clear on Thursday night when Pique came on for Sergio Ramos during Spain's friendly match with Costa Rica in Leon.
There were clearly audible boos and whistles when he entered the pitch, but he said he wasn't bothered by it, as per Goal.com.ย
"Everyone can express themselves freely. One day they whistle, one day they applaud.
It has gone on for years, it doesn't bother me. This is my job. For me, coming to the national team is like coming home. I have a lot of caps and, every time they call me, I'll come.ย
"
Additionally, Spanish television caught Pique afterward and asked him about the incident.
His answer was blunt, truthful and hilarious, per Marca: "I've just won the treble and it doesn't bother me."ย
Spain won the game 2-1.
[YouTube, Goal.com]
