Nolito, Etxeita show support for Pique

Spain striker Nolito and defender Xabi Etxeita have spoken to ask for support for central defender Gerard Pique ahead of Spain's Euro 2016 qualifying game against Luxembourg on Friday night.

The Catalan defender was booed by fans during the last game he played for Spain in Oviedo in September after saying he supported a referendum for the independence of the Catalan region, although he did not say which way he would vote.

Spain coach Del Bosque at the time spoke of his irritation at the treatment of a player who has always given 100 percent when in the Spain shirt, although in the run up to the Luxembourg game, the issue is again making headlines.

Nolito made his point of view very clear on the issue saying, "those who boo and whistle Pique are doing that to all of us," he said, although he admitted the public were "free to choose and what we say isn't going to change much."

Etxeita, who is making his first appearance with the Spain squad, also added his support to Nolito's

"Pique has always showed that he is committed to Spain and he has played at a very high level, the results are there to prove it," said the defender, who ended up with an even stronger message for fans.

"People should applaud him (Pique) in every ground," he concluded. Endit