Barcelona’s Gerard Piqué has reacted with defiance after again being booed by a section of Spain fans, telling a specially-convened press conference: “I am not going to change my ways.”
The 28-year-old became a target for some Spain supporters after mocking Real Madrid while celebrating his side’s treble win in June. Piqué was jeered during the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovakia in Oviedo, and subsequently drew more criticism after being photographed emerging from a nightclub in the early hours of the following morning.
Though several team-mates defended him, and the coach, Vicente del Bosque, called for an end to the “shameful” abuse from supporters, Real’s Sergio Ramos said his international colleague had not helped himself with his conduct.
At a press conference called to respond to the backlash, Piqué said: “I don’t regret my comments at all, I’d do it 1,000 times over because I’m like that. I’ll always want things to go badly for Madrid and this is the rivalry which has always existed.
“I am not going to change my ways and I have nothing to apologise for. Quitting the national team is the last thing I would do. That would be giving in to those who whistle me for the wrong reasons.
“I’ve always had the utmost commitment to the Spanish national team. As for the Barça-Madrid rivalry, I won’t change. I feel very good, on both a personal and sporting level. Yesterday I went mushroom picking. I am a happy man.”
