participants and hosting several glamour friendlies in Melbourne in seasons past.Next Saturday, theyll be re-united with their first guest, Juventus, which visited in 2007 for a 4-1 win at Etihad Sta

MADRID -- Gerard Pique says the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be his final tournament with Spain because he feels he is not wanted in the national team.The Barcelona defender made the announcement after Spains 2-0 win at Albania on Sunday in European qualifying for the World Cup. Spain currently tops Group G, with only first place giving automatic qualification.I always give everything I have on the field, but there are people who think its better if Im not here, Pique said. After Russia, a stage will have ended for me.The player is often jeered by many Spaniards because of his pro-Catalonia stance. He recently appeared to support a pro-independence move by the Catalan region, upsetting those who opposed it.Pique stirred a social media controversy during Sundays match by cutting the sleeves of his soccer jersey instead of changing into the short sleeves which have the colors of the Spanish flag. He said the long sleeves were bothering him.Pique said his decision to retire had already been made before this latest controversy.Its not a `heat of the moment decision, Ive given a lot of thought to this. the 29-year-old Pique said. Its not because of what happened today, its because I always give my best on the field and, although there are some people who have thanked me, some dont think its OK for me to be here.The defender said he also wants to give way for younger players.You need to give them some space, Pique said. Ill be 31, Ive won everything with the national team. Ill try to play my 100th game with the team, and I want to win the World Cup again, which is the most important thing.Pique, who has two children with his long-term partner, Colombian singer Shakira, helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.With Barcelona, he won six Spanish league titles, as well as three club World Cups and three Champions Leagues.Life goes on, he said. I still want to be with Barcelona for several years.The Spanish football federation released a statement supporting the player.Vince Carter Magic Jersey . -- Jimmy Walkers first PGA Tour trophy came with a special gift tucked inside. Terrence Ross Magic Jersey . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. http://www.magicauthentic.com/kids-timofey-mozgov-magic-jersey/ .C. -- Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. Grant Hill Jersey .1 million pounds ($61.2 million) on Saturday, giving the beleaguered English Premier League champions a major lift. Timofey Mozgov Magic Jersey . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery.Normally, an opposing team would be grateful not to face world football stars Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann.The French duos clubs Juventus and Atletico Madrid are bound for Melbourne in a weeks time to take part in the International Champions Cup.But the pair, who dazzled on their way to the European Championships final last week, wont be heading to Australia.The host nations run to the finals means the pair arent expected to travel to Melbourne, instead focusing on recovering their fitness for the arduous club season ahead.Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat believes the absence of the mega-stars will only make the matches tougher.Im just spewing that France didnt get knocked out earlier so Pogba and Griezmann could be here, he told AAP.Make no mistake, its going to be a lot harder because were going to have the players here that want to be the next cab off the rank.Itll be a good challenge and one were embracing.English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur complete the trio of travelling sides, which will boast serious international firepower for the three MCG matches, with Victorys date with Atletico to be played at Simonds Stadium.The three visiting clubs will confirm their travelling squuads in the coming week.ddddddddddddVictory are no strangers to international competition as five-time Asian Champions League participants and hosting several glamour friendlies in Melbourne in seasons past.Next Saturday, theyll be re-united with their first guest, Juventus, which visited in 2007 for a 4-1 win at Etihad Stadium.Muscat said it was always a pleasure to keep international company, as they will again in the ICC series.Victory didnt play in last years series - which included Real Madrid, AS Roma and Manchester City - but they still benefited from the event.Spending time last year when Rafa Benitez was here they invited us to training and we made some contacts, he said.It opens a few doors. Its great.Were honoured to be involved.VICTORY AGAINST THE WORLDMelbourne Victorys record in glamour friendlies against visiting international sides.2007 - lost 1-4 to Juventus (Italy)2009 - lost 0-3 to Fulham (England)2010 - lost 0-1 to Boca Juniors (Argentina)2011 - lost 0-1 to Celtic (Scotland)2012 - lost 1-4 to Olympiacos (Greece)2013 - lost 0-2 to Liverpool (England) ' ' '