Former Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is full of praise for Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.

Pique has recently announced his international retirement ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

“Everything he does is put under the microscope," Del Bosque said. “But he's always been completely committed.

"He went to the Diada [Catalonia's national celebrations] like any of us would go to our village celebrations. I've never heard him say he's in favour of independence.

"But now he's earned the right to decide whether or not he plays for the national team."