Former Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque has backed Gerard Pique in his decision to retire from the Spanish national team after the 2018 World Cup.
The 65-year-old managed the defender at international level for eight years between 2008 and 2016, before stepping down after this year’s European Championships to be replaced by Julen Lopetegui.
"How Pique was treated was unfair,” Del Bosque is quoted as saying by Marca.
"He thinks about the future and I think it's ok to do that and I think he does not feel so unhappy in the team.
"During my time, I did not see differences between Catalan players and non-Catalan players, but some people will remain impossible to convince."
Del Bosque – who guided La Roja to a World Cup and European Championship – also paid tribute to the legacy left behind by Luis Aragones and the job currently being done by Lopetegui.
"The four matches played in the World Cup qualifications so far have been very good," he continued.
"We received a good legacy from Luis Aragones and I think we have not left a bad inheritance now."
