Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has urged Thiago Alcantara to reject his former club Manchester United.

Pique was delighted for Thiago after he struck a hat-trick for Spain in last night's U21 Euros final triumph over Italy and hopes he chooses to stay.

"There is a possibility that he could leave but we have to convince him that the best place for him is Barcelona," said Pique, a product of Barca's academy who spent four years at Old Trafford before returning to the Spanish champions.

"Players in his position like Xavi were patient and they ended up defining an era."