Monday, October 31, 2022 at 13:46• Wessel Antes • Last update: 13:49

There is a chance that Gerard Pique will make a striking return to the national team of Spain, reports marca Monday. The 35-year-old defender of Barcelona ended his international career in 2018, but, like Sergio Ramos, is included in national coach Luis Enrique’s 55-man pre-selection for the World Cup in Qatar.

The choice is remarkable as Pique is anything but popular with the Spanish people. In the past, the mandekker made regular statements of support for Catalan independence. In addition, he regularly spoke negatively about Real Madrid and fellow international Ramos in the media. The two formed a central duo in the Spanish national team for years.

Piqué has so far played 102 caps for Spain, in which he was good for five goals and three assists. The right leg was a basic customer during the 2010 World Cup final against the the Dutch (0-1). In addition, Piqué was in the starting lineup when Spain defeated Italy in the European Championship final of 2012 (4-0). For a final call-up, Piqué has competition in the center back from Ramos, Pau Torres, Eric García, Diego Llorente, Aymeric Laporte and Iñigo Martínez.

Enrique makes full use of the large pre-selection that he can hand in to FIFA. Where Louis van Gaal selected only 39 names, the Spaniard opted for a full list with 55 names. Ultimately, each country will be allowed to bring 26 players to Qatar. In Group E, Spain will face Costa Rica, Germany and Japan. When Enrique actually chooses Ramos, the Paris Saint-Germain mandekker will face his first international match since March 2021.