Alexander Buttner has denied he was a failure at Manchester United because he achieved a Premier League title while Steven Gerrard could not.
The left-back was signed from Dutch side Vitesse by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 but left United two years later having made only 28 appearances for the club.
Buttner, 27, this week returned to Vitesse - where he spent four years prior to his move to United - but has insisted his time at Old Trafford was not a waste and compared his achievements to those of former Liverpool captain Gerrard.
"I was on the pitch for United 30 times," Buttner told De Telegraaf. "Who can say that he has been a champion in England? I can. Even Steven Gerrard did not succeed.
"I've become a much better football player, I played in the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Bayern Munich and Arjen Robben."
Buttner also revealed the hold Manchester United still have over him despite spells at Dynamo Moscow and Anderlecht since leaving Old Trafford, explaining why he has opted for the No 28 shirt at his old club Vitesse.
"I debuted with the No 28 at Manchester United and scored and gave an assist," he added. "I don't want to lose that number. I tattooed it.
"I'm looking forward to get back on the field, training with a group. I want to put myself back on the map. I feel strong when I'm on the field. I'm going to show you."