Jonathan Viera: "Piqué is committed to the national team"
The central midfielder was a late call-up by Julen Lopetegui and he says if Piqué is in Madrid then he is with the team because he is committed.
Jonathan Viera joined up with Spain on Monday after getting a late phone call from Julen Lopetegui along with Aritz Aduriz and Álvaro Odriozola. They will replace Andres Iniesta, Alvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal in Spain's upcoming national team games as they continue their quest for a spot in the World Cup 2018.
The call from Lopetegui: "I didn't expect it. I am very happy and excited to be here, to give everything I have and to learn as much as I can."
When did he call? "They called me this morning [Monday, the day the teams meets in Madrid] and I was in Madrid. I am very excited. The things happen when they are meant to happen. I am very happy."
Did you speak to Piqué yesterday?: "I haven't. It was a very complicated game, we are not used to play with no fans, but that's the way it is. It's much better to play with people there, it's a spectacle and the people enjoy it."
To play for Spain, you have to really feel it, who said he is willing to leave the team if necessary? "Everyone has their opinions and they are free to opine what they think. If that's his opinion then it has to be respected."
How was it to play in the game at the Camp Nou yesterday: "It was complicated because we didn't know if it was going ahead until the last moment. There were a few very tense moments. Luckily, it did go ahead in the end."
Do you agree with what some people say that the best thing for Piqué is to leave the national team: "There are all sorts of opinions and people are free to have them. If he is here it is because he is committed to the national team. There is no doubt about that."
Las Palmas choosing to wear a Spanish flag on their jersey: "The club decided to do that and it is not a decision by us. For us, we want to go out, play, win and then go home."
