Pique close to Barca switch

Spanish starlet poised to return to Camp Nou

Last updated: 23rd May 2008

manchester united gerard pique

Pique: Heading back to Barca

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Gerard Pique is close to rejoining Barcelona after revealing his move from Manchester United is at 'an advanced stage' of negotiations.

The talented Spaniard left Nou Camp to join United in 2004 at the age of 17, but has seen his path to Sir Alex Ferguson's first team blocked by Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

After failing to make a breakthrough in England the Catalan youngster is looking for a return to his former club.

"Negotiations with Barca are at a very advanced stage," he told Barcelona's official website.

"I like the idea of being able to play in a Barcelona shirt again.

"At the moment there's nothing official. Now we just have to wait for more details.

Pep praised

"At the moment the decision has to be made by other people."

Pique, who is back in Barcelona to prepare for a friendly game between Catalunya and Argentina on Saturday, also spoke highly of new Barca coach Pep Guardiola.

"He was a great player and he has the character you need to coach a side like Barca," he said.

"A new project is starting with Guardiola and there is a lot of new hope."