Former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique discusses his potential Old Trafford return…
Barcelona centre back Gerard Pique has ruled out re-joining Manchester United, after Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal was rumoured to be keeping tabs on the 27-year-old Spaniard.
SEE MORE:
Manchester United v Chelsea: Live Streaming Guide And Premier League Preview
Swansea City v Leicester City: Live Streaming Guide And Premier League Preview
Real Madrid V Barcelona Live Streaming Guide And El Clasico Preview
Reports on Goal.com explain that the Red Devils have been linked with a £20m move for their former charge as they look to bolster their defence, but have been comprehensively rejected by their former academy graduate, who played twelve league games for United before leaving in 2008.
After returning to Catalonia, he played a key role in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side. But more recently, he has been criticised for some poor performances, and flattered by the transfer speculation.
However, Pique is adamant that he has no desire to leave his boyhood club and go back to England: “I was really happy and left a lot of friends [in Manchester], even if I didn’t play as much as I’d wanted, but I’ve always said I want to stay here all my career and retire at Barcelona.”
“At Manchester United I had Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic ahead of me, players who were never injured, never red carded … f**king hard [to dislodge] but this is the first time at Barcelona I’m not playing as much as I want to.
“A lot of people say: ‘Pique is not fit or not playing well’ but Pique is really playing well. After the World Cup I admitted I maybe hadn’t been at my level but, in pre-season, I worked really hard and I’m really happy about my performances during the season.
“At the moment I’m not thinking about leaving. I’m really happy if it’s true that United want me but I’m a Barcelona fan, I have been since I was a kid. I want to stay here.”
SEE ALSO: Best Premier League players 2014/15