The ex-Chelsea forward said: "Old Trafford is a big stadium and a good one - but to call it the Theatre of Dreams, maybe it's a bit exaggerated.

"Before I came to Barca, United were interested in signing me on a couple of occasions.

"It's a great honour that Alex Ferguson wanted me because he's a living legend, someone special who's done incredible things. But when they told me Barcelona were interested in me they were always my first option."