Spain Backs Barcelona defender's decision regarding national team

How does Casillas deal with pressure before games?

Casillas isn't going anywhere

Gerard Pique is sticking by his decision to leave the Spanish national team at the end of the World Cup 2018, and that choice has not surprised Iker Casillas, who has shown an understanding of his former colleague.

During the World Cup qualifying round last week, the La Roja squad and staff tried to reverse Barcelona defender's choice without any success, with Spain coach Julen Lopetegui having preferred that such a decision not be made public.

"I know Pique, and I suppose that there will come a moment in which the emotional level would have been too much," the Porto goalkeeper said. "He is one who when he says something, he will do it.

"It's a decision he has thought about for a long time.

"However, Pique chose the wrong moment, and should not have said anything now during the qualifying round."