Spanish defender Gerard Pique has announced his retirement from international football.

Pique, 31, who had previously stated that he would quit the Spain national team after the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament, confirmed his retirement on Saturday.

His expected decision is coming on the back of the appointment of Luis Enrique as the new Spain manager.

Luis Enrique was his former manager at Barcelona.

While speaking on his decision, Pique said: “I spoke to Luis Enrique a few days ago. He called me and I told him the decision was taken a long time ago and that I had thought about it carefully.”

“It was a beautiful time with the national team in which I had the chance to win the World Cup and the European Championship. Now I want to focus on Barca.” He added.

Pique further stated that: “I have a few years left here and I’m going to enjoy them a lot.”

Gerard Pique made his debut in 2009 and went on to score five goals in 102 appearances for his country in addition to winning both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 European Championship tournaments with the team.

He has always been a divisive figure in Spain as a result of his vocal support for his beloved Catalan region in the quest for independence.