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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Sports Staff

Wimbledon 2018: Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique makes Royal Box appearance

Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique has been spotted enjoying a bit of tennis at Wimbledon today.

The 31-year-old is included on the long list of celebrities to have been invited to watch this afternoon’s action from Centre Court’s Royal Box.

Pique has found himself with free time on his hands after Spain were knocked out early of the World Cup in dramatic fashion by hosts Russia.

The 2010 champions were beaten on penalties after the two sides saw out a 1-1 draw following normal and extra-time.

Following their shock exit in Russia, Pique subsequently flew back to Spain before later accepting the All England Club's invite to attend the Championships on Wednesday.

Pique won’t be accompanied by wife Shakira but will instead by kept company by a 'Mr Fernando'.

The defender is largely expected to announce his retirement from international duty in the coming weeks, having declared before the tournament that Russia 2018 would be his last World Cup.

"The next World Cup will be my last competition with Spain ... I have thought a lot about things and I'm sorry but I won't play with the national team when the World Cup in Russia has finished," he said.

For now, though, he'll be soaking up the south-London sun and enjoying the sights and sound of The Wimbledon Championships.

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