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Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique had made his stand clear over Catalan independence last week and, on Saturday, had to respond to questions over comments he made backing a possible referendum on independence for Catalonia.
Denying that his views conflicted with him representing Spain, Pique reasoned: "I am only defending rights for Catalans, we are talking about a question of democracy which I think is important to defend. It is something totally different to me playing football and I always enjoy being with the national team where I give everything.”
"I express my opinions because I am a footballer and a citizen. When I feel I should express myself I will and this doesn’t affect my profession," said Pique.
Image: Gerard Pique
Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images