Sergio Ramos says Catalan Independence row in Spain will not affect partnership with Gerard Pique
Sponsored by
SERGIO RAMOS insists his relationship with Gerard Pique will not be damaged by the Catalan crisis affecting Spain.
Pique has been targeted for abuse by Spanish fans after openly backing Catalonia's fight for independence from the country.
The Barcelona defender was subjected to angry taunts by supporters this week following the police violence against Catalans attempting to vote in a referendum last weekend deemed illegal by the government.
But Real Madrid star Ramos believes he and Pique have a deep enough friendship not to let any political views get in the way of them continuing their partnership in the national team.
Ramos said: "Fans have the right to express their opinion. They are free in that regard.
"We have a great relationship, despite our different viewpoints and personalities. Mixing politics and sport is a mistake.
"As a Spaniard, I don't like what's happening, but let's hope it all gets resolved quickly and we can get back to living in a free democracy and enjoying sports, which is what makes us all happy.
"It's true that this week hasn't been easy for any of us because politics and sports got mixed."
Spain play host to Albania tonight looking for the victory that would seal their qualification for Russia 2018 and force Italy into a play-off.
And Ramos said following the disturbances in the country last weekend, he sought out Pique and manager Julen Lopetegui to ensure there would be no problems in the squad.
Most read in football
Ramos added: "I'm Spain's captain and I wanted to talk first with my coach and with Pique and stand aside of this.
"As I said before it would have been a mistake if we mixed both sports and politics because above everything we have a common goal that is the qualification for Russia World Cup and that's the objective of the whole team.
"Gery already said it the other day, we have a very good relationship despite our nature and the way that we think or feel, and not only with him but with the whole group, each one of us are different and we have the right to think and feel differently.
"If we stay all in the same boat and go in the same direction we shouldn't have any problem."
The summer transfer window was one the craziest we have ever seen.
Take a look at the most profitable transfers of ALL time.
And here are the Premier League players whose wages made them the most expensive per minute played.
