With Pep Guardiola coming to Manchester City, so too must come the media storm of transfer rumours. It feels like pretty much every player who has ever been somewhat associated with Guardiola has been linked with a move to the Sky Blues in the past month and Gerard Pique is no exception. However, the veteran Barca defender had some surprising words to say in that regard.
"My love for Manchester United is too great for me to sign for City," said Pique. "Even though Pep is a great coach."
These words may surprise some, seeing as Pique's time in Manchester was not a roaring success. 17-year-old Pique arrived in Manchester as a bright-eyed, clearly talented boy, but he was never able to displace Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic during his four years there.
Gerard Pique, age 17, signs for Manchester United. Photo: @BOIXOSNOIS_SBY | Twitter
A combination of homesickness and a chance to play for his boyhood club directed Gerard Pique back towards Barcelona, where he became a key component under Pep Guardiola during his years at the helm.
Some say that the release of Pique was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest mistakes, yet Pique told the Daily Mail in 2015 that the Scotsman wanted him to stay.
"I'll always be grateful to Sir Alex, who was like a second father to me, for letting me move back to Barcelona," said Pique. "He wanted me to stay and fight for a place, but he understood what Barca meant to me."
Gerard Pique and Sir Alex after the 2009 Champions League final. Photo: @BOIXOSNOIS_SBY | Twitter
Despite Gerard Pique's fondness towards his former stomping grounds, Manchester United fans should not hold their breath for a return (though they sure as hell could use him).
"I'm very happy in Barcelona," said Pique. "United are my second club, but my future is at Barca."
(H/T The Guardian)
Follow me on Twitter @J_Hansen_89
