Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos sent a message to Barcelona rival Gerard Pique before their clash with Espanyol.

Having seen Pique in tears after Barca's win against Las Palmas, Ramos posted a message to a private Whatsapp group for his Spain teammate.

Pique had raised the prospect of quitting the Spain squad due to his Catalan independence stand.

Diario Gol says Ramos made it clear to Pique he was fully supportive of him being part of the Spain squad and would speak with coach Julen Lopetegui and FA officials to smooth any tension.

Ramos believes "everything has gone too far" and assured Pique his place inside the La Roja squad was secure.