Gerard Pique:
“The directors at Barcelona treated me very poorly,” he told goal.com. “When they found out that I had been in contact with Manchester United and Arsenal regarding my future, they benched me for two months.
“In truth, I don't think they wanted me that badly otherwise they would have offered me a new contract several months ago.
“I am very excited at the prospect of this new challenge. Sir Alex Ferguson came across as a very nice man and he treated me with respect. He told me not to worry about anything and to work hard and that he is counting on me to become part of the club's future. He said that if I work hard, in a few years' time I'll be in the first team.”