Piqué: "I came to Manchester alone and left a completely different person"
Gerard remembers his time at Manchester United as a youngster, away from his family, as he matured from a boy to a man
Gerard Pique spent a key stage of his life at Manchester United, so it was inevitable that there would be questions about his time and experience at the English club.
The centre back said the match against Manchester United was particually special for him. "I went from being kid to an adult here, I had my first experiences as a professional and some crazy experiences off the pitch. I came here alone, without my family. I learned a lot and I left a completely different person."
Pique admitted that he was excited about the prospect of returning to his second home when the draw was made. "When the draw came out I was really pleased. I've returned to many places - Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham - and played at almost all of them, and the one that was left was Man United. It was a great source of excitement to come back."
"It's been a number of years. Some things have changed but many are similar... There is a sense of nostalgia. I was very young when I came here and it was all new to me. This time I'm wearing a different shirt, one I've worn always all my life and I try to win."
Pique admits that the atmosphere in England in unique and can act as a 12th man. "
'Old Trafford is something lovely because the fans are fantastic. It's the same if it's the Champions League, a Premier League game or playing against a fourth division side. The fans are always cheering if you lose or win. It's a different culture. I've always said we could learn a lot from them."
