The Barcelona defender made the announcement after receiving criticism from supporters for cutting off the sleeves of his shirt for Sunday’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania.

Pique, who has had criticism from fans before for his support of Catalan independence, was accused on social media of deliberately removing the Spain flag on his shirt.

The Spanish Football Federation issued a statement defending the 29-year-old, claiming that he cut off the sleeves for comfort.

The man himself has now admitted that he has grown tired of playing for his country.

“They’ve managed to make me lose the excitement of coming here and although after Russia I’ll only be 31, I’ll leave.”

Pique, who has won a World Cup and European Championship with Spain, has earned 84 caps so far in his international career.