Barcelona superstar Gerard Pique has ruled out any possibility of returning to former club Manchester United in the future.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Star, Barcelona’s defensive mainstay Gerard Pique has said there is no chance he will ever return to Premier League giants Manchester United.
The 31-year old former Spain international joined the Red Devils from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy back in the summer of 2004. He spent four years with the club, that also included a season-long loan away at Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza (2006-07).
During his time with Manchester United, Pique went on to make 23 first-team appearances, netting two goals and assisting one more, winning a Premier League title, a League Cup and the UEFA Champions League in the process.
The centre-back left United in the summer of 2008, securing a return back to his boyhood club and has grown into one of the best modern centre-backs in the game ever since. Pique has racked up close to 450 appearances for the Catalans, winning a number of titles and trophies, including three Champions League triumphs.
When asked if he would ever return to the Premier League in the future, the 31-year old ruled out any such possibility.
“I don’t think so. I’m very happy here. It’s my home, with my family and friends, and playing for the club I always dreamed to play, and I hope to win more titles here.”
Given Manchester United’s defensive woes in recent times, they could have done with someone of Pique’s experience and quality in their backline. The Red Devils are off to their worst ever start to a season in 26 years, following successive Premier League defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.
Manager Jose Mourinho was intent on strengthening his defence all summer, but the club failed to secure any of their top defensive targets, with Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire staying put at their clubs, while another target, Pique’s former Barcelona teammate, Yerry Mina joined Everton instead.
The 31-year old Spaniard, who recently claimed that he would welcome Manchester United’s club record signing Paul Pogba with open arms at Barcelona, would have been a perfect solution for the club’s problems at the back.
The 20-time English champions, however, are understood to be plotting a mega money swoop for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane when the January window opens, in order to plug the holes in their defence.
