Gerard Pique names Manchester United star among 4 of his favorite players while growing up Notifications New User posted their first comment this is comment text Approve Reject & ban Delete Logout

Gerard Pique names Manchester United star among 4 of his favorite players while growing up

Gerard Pique lavishes praise on Manchester United legend defender claims legend Rio Ferdinand was one of his favorite players early in his career. Speaking to Gary Neville on YouTube channel, the 35-year-old was asked who he looked up to as a youngster for inspiration for his own game. Pique insisted that he always focused on centre-halves and listed four greats of the modern era, stating: "Fernando Hierro when I was growing up because I was always trying to focus on players in my position. Then Rio Ferdinand when I had the opportunity to play with him, then Puyol, Gaby Milito, always focusing on centre-backs." My 14 Questions with is out now

Who cooks at home , a memorable Christmas party and many more

Give it a watch if you like My 14 Questions with is out now Who cooks at home , a memorable Christmas party and many more Give it a watch if you like Ferdinand made 455 appearances for the Red Devils, having signed from Leeds United in 2002 in a deal that made him the world's most expensive defender at the time (£29.3 million+add-ons). The centre-back went on to win 10 major honors under Sir Alex Ferguson, including six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. Ferdinand also briefly served as the England captain and won 81 caps for his country. Having left the Barcelona youth academy in 2004, Pique joined United and spent four seasons at Old Trafford before his return to the Camp Nou. The Spaniard clearly remembers his time playing alongside Ferdinand fondly despite only making 23 appearances in English football. Reunited

Reunited

Two Manchester United defenders tell teammates they will be leaving

The 20-time champions of England look set for a squad overhaul this summer following a disastrous campaign that will almost certainly see them finish outside the top four of the Premier League. New manager Erik ten Hag will surely be keen to make changes. Two often-forgotten centre-backs have already outlined their intentions to leave the club. According to the , Eric Bailly and Phil Jones will be searching for new clubs this summer, with the duo barely featuring for Manchester United this season. Having arrived from Villarreal in 2016, Bailly's time at Old Trafford has been blighted by injuries. He has only made seven first-team appearances this term. United bizarrely extended the Ivorian's contract last April until 2024, a decision that the club hierarchy now recognizes as a mistake. Jones is another centre-back who has been dogged by injuries. The man who was once tipped to be '' has seen his career completely stall at Manchester United. The former Blackburn defender is still only 30-years-old. However, he has only played five times across the current campaign. Jones is still under contract at the club until June 2023. Phil Jones reacted with deep frustration to being substituted by Rangnick at half-time of ’s loss to Liverpool. Being sacrificed at the interval in those circumstances, wanting the chance to help the team, triggered a major reaction

[Athletic] Phil Jones reacted with deep frustration to being substituted by Rangnick at half-time of ’s loss to Liverpool. Being sacrificed at the interval in those circumstances, wanting the chance to help the team, triggered a major reaction [Athletic] Paul Merson predicts the result of Newcastle vs Chelsea and other EPL GW 16 fixtures! Poll : 0 votes Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Thank You! Show More Comments No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ Be the first one to comment on this story More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... 1 Logout No Results Found