Xavi, Gerard Pique and Bojan to all represent Catalonia in friendly against Venezuela
Catalonia are set to field a star-studded line-up when they take on Venezuela in a friendly next week.Girona’s Estadi Montilivi hosts the encounter on March 25, which will be Catalonia’s first match to be played within an official FIFA window for international friendlies.Gerard Pique retired from international football after last summer’s World Cup3
Gerard Pique retired from international football after last summer’s World Cup
As the autonomous community is not registered with either FIFA or UEFA it can only take part in friendlies, and they are usually played outside the official fixture schedule.However, Venezuela visit next Monday, and manager Sergio Garcia is set to field a team including Barcelona legends Gerard Pique and Xavi Hernandez, both of whom have come out of international retirement for the match.It will be a particularly special occasion for Xavi, the midfielder, who currently plays for Al-Sadd in Qatar.Xavi won 133 caps for Spain as well as representing Catalonia3
Xavi won 133 caps for Spain as well as representing Catalonia
The 39-year-old is set to retire from playing entirely at the end of the season, meaning this will be the final time he represents Catalonia.It will be his 13th cap for the team. Pique is set to win his 10th cap for Catalonia having first debuted in 2004, and the legendary duo will be joined in the starting line-up by the likes of Marc Bartra, the former Barcelona defender, Sevilla full-back Aleix Vidal, and striker Sergio Garcia of Espanyol.

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There will also be representation from English football in the Catalonia squad, with Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu and Bojan, the Stoke forward, given permission by their clubs to play against Venezuela.Gerard Deulofeu could also be a late addition to the squad having put in a request to Watford’s management to be allowed to feature.Deulofeu has been one of Watford’s standout players this season3
Deulofeu has been one of Watford’s standout players this season
It is understood permission will be granted to the 25-year-old forward.However, some Spanish clubs have denied their players the chance to play for Catalonia, with LaLiga sides Rayo Vallecano, Huesca and Valladolid all refusing to release their players as they attempt to fight off relegation from Spain’s top flight.
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