Gerard Pique has revealed that he thinks of Sir Alex Ferguson as a father figure.
Gerard Pique has revealed that he thinks of Sir Alex Ferguson as a father figure and keeps in regular contact with him during his year-long loan spell at Real Zaragoza.
After scoring in the Spanish side's victory over Gimnastic at the weekend, the 19-year-old defender explained that he is enjoying his year away from Manchester United.
Ferguson is keeping tabs on the player he signed from Barcelona's youth ranks two years ago and is hoping to travel to Spain to see him play.
"He is like a second father to me," Pique said. "I am extremely grateful that he gave me the opportunity to come here to gain experience."
In the 3-1 triumph against Nastic on Sunday, Pique completed only his second league game of the season for Zaragoza and netted the team's third goal and his second of the campaign.
"I enjoyed it and the team played well," he explained. "I enjoy scoring goals and know I am capable of more, but my main job is to defend."
Zaragoza are fourth in the table after making a very strong start to the campaign under Victor Fernandez, but Pique recognises that the experienced duo of Sergio and Gabriel Milito are first choice in the centre of defence.
"We are growing as a team and the basis for our great form is that we do not concede many goals and that is down to the defence especially," he said.
"At the start of the season we were leaking goals, but we have stopped that and if we can continue like this then we could aim really high.
"I am being given chances and I have to make use of the time that I have to prove to everyone that I am worth a place.
"Sergio and Gabi Milito are playing very well together, but it is good to know that I have a chance to play.
"I want to prove to the coach that I can start. This is my profession and I love training, so all I can do is work hard and hope that I play in more games."
