Gerard Pique has insisted that he was not affected by the fans who chose to boo him in Spain’s 2-1 victory over Costa Rica on Thursday.
The defender replaced Sergio Ramos in the second half at Estadio Reino de Leon and was subjected to a mass outpouring of jeers from locals, who took issue with his joke about Cristiano Ronaldo’s 30th birthday party during Barcelona’s recent treble celebrations.
“The fans can express themselves freely. Each [fan] expresses what they feel,” he said after the game.
“It should only be a matter of our work. Sometimes they boo us, sometimes they applaud us.
“I do my best to stay focused [on the match], nothing else. I haven’t thought much about [the boos].
“I have to face it, but truthfully it doesn’t affect me. I came into the match from winning the treble and I’m very happy.
“I feel at home with the national team and always give my all when I’m called up.
“I would say [the Kevin Roldan joke] was a celebration. It was a joke, we were messing around and had a great time. I honestly don’t care about [the fallout].
“It’s not anyone's fault. I haven’t done anything wrong. These things happen, situations are created and you have to face them.
“It’s our job. We must face them head on and that’s it.
"I haven’t wondered [why the fans booed me]. You’ll have to ask the perpetrators that.
“There were 6,000 easily. You’ll find some [who booed me], but I don’t want to think about it.
“Some fans booed and some fans applauded. I just went out onto the pitch.
“[Ronaldo’s birthday party] was an important moment [in Barca’s season]. It coincided with our revival and I think it’s funny. It was just a joke.”
