Some of Spain's top clubs came knocking in the summer, but
Gerard Pique is glad Sir Alex never opened the door.
Pique, a Spain U21 international and a product of Barcelona's famed
youth system, joined United in 2004 but featured only fleetingly
until this season. In fact, opportunities were so limited in
2006/07 Sir Alex sent the defender back to Spain for a season-long
loan spell at Real Zaragoza.
His performances in La Liga were outstanding and it's hardly
surprising Zaragoza were keen to make the move permanent. Earlier
this month, it transpired Atletico Madrid had also attempted to
prise the 20-year-old from Old Trafford.
Leaving United, however, just doesn't fit into Pique's plans.
"Zaragosa tried to sign me in the summer but I knew what the answer
would be," Pique told The Times' The Game podcast.
"Since the first day I arrived at Old Trafford, Sir Alex has showed
me he has a lot of confidence in me and I'm trying to do my best to
show him I can be part of this team. I can be a Manchester United
player.
"He talks to you a lot not only about football, but about
everything in life. Elsewhere, there are other leaders. Rio
Ferdinand talks a lot to you on the pitch and helps you out. Ryan
Giggs is quiet but in the dressing room the power and the
experience he has really comes out. It's important for players like
me to be around someone like Ryan because the confidence he has in
himself can pass on to you and it helps your game."
Pique's confidence will have sky-rocketed when he was handed his
first Champions League start against Dynamo Kyiv
and then opened
the scoring. It was his first goal in a Reds shirt, although he
admits he was more than a little surprised to find the net.
"It was a big problem," he joked. "I didn't know how to celebrate
the goal!"
In the end, Pique opted for a single fist-pump. Like his approach
to defending, it was instinctive yet understated, and something
United fans would love to see more of in coming seasons.
