Wed May 28 15:24:38 2008

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United defender Pique returns to Barcelona

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Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United defender Gerard Pique has agreed a four-year contract to complete his move back to Barcelona.

The 21-year-old Spaniard left the Camp Nou in the summer of 2004 to move to Old Trafford, but will head back to Barca after making only 23 appearances for the Red Devils.

His first-team opportunities at Old Trafford have been limited by the outstanding partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Pique told the club's official website: "Obviously I would have liked to play more this season but I must say that, despite some difficult decisions, the manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) has always treated me in an exceptional manner, for which I am extremely grateful.

"I am leaving with some very special memories - scoring a Champions League goal at Old Trafford, beating Arsenal in April on the way to winning the title and, most of all, the experience of being part of this fantastic group that won the Premier League and Champions League double.

"Finally, a special thanks to the fans for their warmth and support. I would like them to know that I will always carry United in my heart and I hope that they understand my decision to go back to my home club, FC Barcelona."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)