Barca starlet completes United move
Manchester United are to complete the signing of Gerard Pique from Barcelona, as previously reported on skysports.com.
The talented young defender has agreed a five-year contract with Sir Alex Ferguson´s side after meeting with the United manager this week.
Although it was a difficult decision to leave Camp Nou, the gigantic centre back is excited by the prospect of continuing his development at Old Trafford.
" There have been seven years of my life where I have learned and enjoyed my football with Barca and I would not change that for anything in the world," he told El Mundo Deportivo.
" But a new phase of my life begins now.
" It took a lot to make the decision to leave Barca. I was very happy here and had never thought about changing club but, after looking at the options, speaking with my parents and my grandfather, who has also helped me a lot, it was a suitable time for me."
Pique believes first team opportunities may be more forthcoming in England, but harbours a desire to return to Barcelona one day.
" I hope the doors will always be open ( to a return)," he stated. " It would please me to return to wear the Azulgrana shirt.
" In England, the age does not matter so much while here in Spain there is a structure and there are very few chances to break through."
His grandfather, Amador Bernabeu, a famous figure in Barca´s history, was sad to see the teenager leave but gave his full backing to the switch.
" My dream has always been that Gerard succeeded at Barcelona," he complained. " After 20 years as an executive I was looking for the continuity of the family in Barca, but you must accept what life brings you.
" His move is an enormous displeasure because he is not able to continue at Barcelona and it´s a great shame the way things have gone."
United beat off competition from Arsenal to land the highly-rated prospect, who adds to the number of promising centre backs in the ranks of the FA Cup winners.
American prodigy Jonathan Spector is not far away from the first team squad and Wicklow-born Paul McShane is another being tipped for the top by Red Devils insiders.