Barcelona defender Gerard Pique cheered at the Bernabeu!
The fans were split but there was a more positive reaction than usual
Whistles gave way to chants of Pique's name against Italy in the first half
The whistles gave way to applause, the applause to shouts: Gerard Pique was acclaimed by the Bernabeu during moments of the first half of Spain's game against Italy at Real Madrid's home on Saturday.
Always the focus of attention when he plays for the national team, it seemed that the Bernabeu would receive Pique with hostility, given that during the warm-up the Barça defender received a few minor whistles.
Also, when the stadium announcer read out his name, there were more whistles, but they were quickly cancelled out by the rest of the supporters, who decided to applaud the Barcelona player.
With the game underway, things changed again. His first few touched of the ball were met with whistling, but the fans at the Bernabeu reacted once again by acclaiming Pique.
In a gesture never seen before at Madrid's stadium, there were chants of 'Pique, Pique!' in what may become a symbolic moment between the player and the national team supporters.
Pique announced months ago that he would leave the national team after the World Cup in Russia, in 2018.
The Barça centre-back has previously scored a decisive goal at the Bernabeu for Spain, the qualifying for the World Cup in 2010. On March 28, 2009, he scored against Turkey in his second game for La Roja.
