Gerard Pique has insisted there is no rift between him and Sergio Ramos.
The Spanish central defender has previously been vocal in his support for the referendum vote which has led to talk of division and disagreement within the national squad, and claims his relationship with central defensive partner Ramos was damaged beyond repair.
Pique attended a press conference on Wednesday where he vowed to answer any questions in a bid to clear up the situation, which has led to him being abused from the stands at training sessions as well as Pique
Gerard Pique has answered journalists’ questions regarding his views on the Catalan vote
The relationship between Pique and Sergio Ramos was said to have completely broken down
The Barcelona star insisted he and Ramos have a ‘phenomenal’ relationship and claimed any suggestions to the contrary were ‘lies and cliches’
‘I never positioned myself on any side, all I said is people should vote, they can vote yes, no or spoil their ballot, whatever,’ Pique said when explaining his views on the Catalan vote.
‘Being independeista and to feel Catalan does not mean you are anti-Spanish. ‘Catalonia right now is like an 18-year-old that is considering leaving his parents’ house.
Spain’s front pages on Wednesday all discussed the issues between Pique and Ramos
‘It is impossible to question my commitment (to Spain), I consider this my family.
‘I’d rather my teammates didn’t have to speak about me so that’s why I came to speak, so my teammates don’t have to talk about me’
‘A lot of lies and cliches have been said about me and Ramos, we get on phenomenally well, we are very close.
‘I considered leaving but I thought about it deeply and decided if I did I would be letting the minority that boo me win.’