Gerard Pique Talks Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid and More After Spain Controversy

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has confirmed he has no problem with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and reaffirmed his commitment to the Spanish national team, despite being jeered by his own supporters at recent matches.   

The 28-year-old called an impromptu press conference on Thursday after being whistled in La Roja’s last two fixtures by Spanish supporters. Ramos had claimed Pique has not “helped” himself with some of his behaviour, per Gill Clark of Goal.com, but the latter stated during the presser that the dynamic between the two is now fine after some early issues, per AS English:

As reported by sports journalist Phil Kitromilides, Pique was also insistent that his relationship with the other Real Madrid players is in good shape:

Pique’s open support for Catalan independence has been one of the main reasons many Spaniards find him tough to warm to. In addition, the majority of those outside Catalonia are Real Madrid supporters, and Pique seems to enjoy playing the role of pantomime villain when it comes to his domestic side.  

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His dislike for Barcelona’s great rivals was something he spoke openly about in the press conference, and he did admit that on occasions, he can act without tact (via AS English):

The incident involving Kevin Roldan saw Pique thank the singer at Barcelona’s title celebrations; Roldan had played at Cristiano Ronaldo's birthday party, attended by the Madrid players, the night they’d lost 4-0 to city rivals Atletico Madrid, per Ben Grounds of the MailOnline.

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But despite his dislike for Real, Pique was insistent that when it comes to playing for Spain, it’s a completely different matter (via AS English):

Indeed, he even revealed that he quite enjoys it when the Real Madrid crowd whistle him at the Santiago Bernabeu, per SPORT English:

The jeers have been ongoing since last October, when Pique spoke publicly about the delicate political issue, per Miles Chambers of Goal.com. But since then, the World Cup winner has done little to endear himself to the general Spanish public.

The defender bullishly lodged a Catalonian flag in the centre circle after Barcelona’s Champions League win in June, per Chris Pleasance of the MailOnline. Pique was also heard stating that, that “Madrid can f--k themselves” in the wake of the Blaugrana’s Super Cup win over Sevilla in August, adding more fuel to the fire, per El Chiringuito (h/t Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror).

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Now, it seems as though he’s ready to draw a line in the sand, with Sport Witness summarising the defender’s comments on the matter:

The dynamic in Spanish football is so unique. There are few rivalries anywhere in the sporting world that are as embittered, tribal, diverse and political than the one shared by Barcelona and Real Madrid. So if Madridistas see Pique playing football, whether in the Blaugrana or La Roja jersey, they’re likely to boo him.

Now Pique has addressed the matter and shown a willingness to move forward, it’ll be intriguing to see if Spanish football supporters will do the same.