Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says his four years at Manchester United was a great grounding for his career.

United's incredible defensive quality made it difficult for Pique to get competitive action at Old Trafford, but despite only making 13 senior appeareances for the club he says the spell is what made him as a player.

“When I left my friends there to spend four years at Manchester United it was tough," Pique told The Observer. “At the same time that was a great experience for me.

"I grew up a lot there. I am who I am because of the period I had at Manchester United, even though I didn't play as much as I wanted to.

“But in my position there were two centre-backs who were among the top three in the world at the time [Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic]. But being at home, and having the career I have had at home, has been a great pleasure and I am very proud of it."