Man United spell helped prepare me for Barcelona return, says Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique believes his short spell at Manchester United helped prepare the centre-half for a return to Barcelona.

The Spain international joined the Red Devils aged 17, making 23 appearances in all competitions before completing a move back to the Catalan side in 2008.

The 26-year-old has won three La Liga crowns and the Champions League twice with Barcelona, but Pique is still proud of his four-year spell at Old Trafford.

“The kid who went to Manchester was a boy of 17 who found himself in a changing room full of stars and had a wonderful time,” Pique told the Daily Telegraph.

“I remember when I was called to train with the first team, it was wonderful.

“That prepared me for what was coming, for the return to Barcelona. Without that pressure, I would have been a bit green when I came here.

“I am very proud of my three years there, of having decided to go to Manchester first – at 17 it was the perfect time for me to leave home because it helped make me as a person.

“I am proud to have been part of a Sir Alex Ferguson team. Even though every time I meet him I tell him that he got it wrong with me!”