Del Bosque's words on Pique's behaviour with the Spain national team

Former Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has defended Gerard Pique against the attacks from the Madrid media cavern, which came after the Barcelona defender announced he would retire from international football after the next World Cup. 

Del Bosque was speaking to COPE:  

PIQUE

“Pique’s behaviour has always been exemplary [with Spain]. He comes to train and he’s always been correct. He’s a top player, happy, likes to joke and doesn’t create any problems. I’ve always heard things about him and the national team [in the press], but I’ve never heard that he’s pro-independence. I think he should continue and go into the history books as a great Spanish player. He’s won the right to decide whether to continue or not, though. I’ve read that I told Pique to move the ball on quickly so [the fans] don’t whistle him, but how am I going to say that? It’s a subject which Piques’ explained well, anyway, so I’m not going to get involved.” 

GUARDIOLA

“He made Bayern champions and he’s got City on a good path. He’s a man with experience with great teams and he’s an example as a manager. There are little things different [about him] to other coaches and he’s ahead in many things. It’s clear that a lot of the criticism of him is political. But we have to rate him as a sportsman, for what he’s meant and what he means. He only deserves praise.”

MESSI

“It’s rare that Messi plays poorly, he always plays well. Against Manchester City he was special. Messi made the difference.”

LOPETEGUI 

“I had a candidate but I won’t say who it was. He wasn’t among those who the Federation considered. The team looks good now, Lopetegui has talent and he’s doing really well.”