Barcelona star Gerard Pique announces he will retire from Spain duty after the 2018 World Cup following shirt sleeve controversy in comfortable 2-0 win over Albania

• Gerard Pique will not play for his country after 2018 World Cup in Russia
• The Barcelona star announced his decision after the 2-0 win over Albania
• Pique was criticised after appearing to cut off the sleeves of his Spain shirt, removing the national colours
• Spain have defended the player following his latest controversy 
• Defender won the World Cup and Euro 2012 during international career

Gerard Pique has announced he will retire from Spain duty after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

The 29-year-old made the announcement following Spain's 2-0 victory over Albania in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday night, a game in which he courted controversy after he appeared to cut off the sleeves of his shirt, removing the colours of the national team as a result. 

The Barcelona centre back has enjoyed a distinguished career with the national side having been part of Vicente del Bosque's side that won the World Cup and European Championship double, but says the latest criticism aimed in his direction is the final straw. 

Pique is often jeered by many Spaniards because he is outspoken about his pro-Catalonia stance. He stirred a social media controversy during Sunday's match by cutting the sleeves off his jersey, leaving out the colours of the Spanish flag. He said he only did it because the long sleeves were bothering him.

Speaking after the win in Shkoder, he told reporters: 'The 2018 World Cup in Russia will be my last appearance for the Spanish national team.

'I've thought about it a lot. This isn't a spur of the moment decision. There are people who think it's better if I'm not here.' 

Defending the Barcelona player, the Spanish Football Association released a statement which said: 'The Spanish Football Federation wants to show their support for Gerard Pique.

'Contrary to some malicious comments that the Spanish player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours, the RFEF wishes to clarify that the colours only exist in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique used. 

'This can be seen on the shirt of his partner Sergio Ramos, who also uses long sleeves. The player cut sleeves with the sole purpose of playing more comfortable, like other international have done on many occasions.'

PIQUE'S SPAIN CAREER 

Caps: 85

Goals: 5

Honours: 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 

The former Manchester United man has made 85 appearances for Spain, scoring five goals, and would expect to pass the 100 mark in the next two years.

Pique was first called up to the senior squad in February 2009 after breaking into the Barcelona first-team, and made his debut in a 2-0 win over England.

He became part of his country's first choice centre-back pairing alongside Carlos Puyol for the triumphant 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

He then played every single minute of Spain's run to glory at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, with club rival Sergio Ramos partnering him in the centre of defence.