Pique pleased that ex teammate Ronaldo won FIFA Ballon d’Or

The ex Manchester United defender thinks that his former team-mate earned the coveted award last month.

Gerard Piqué is pleased that Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or

Barca defender Gerard Pique has said that he is happy that ex team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or last month, ending a four year domination by Argentine Leo Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo pipped both Leo Messi and Franck Ribery to win the ultimate accolade for a player on a personal level – the FIFA best player in the world trophy or Ballon d’Or.

Many people didn’t expect the Portuguese international to win the award and Pique realises it was unexpected to some. However, the Barça defender thought that his ex team-mate at the Red Devils would walk away with the prize.

The 27 year old defender spoke to Jot Down: “It took everyone by surprise, especially those who don’t know him, but not me.”

“More than that in fact, not only did it not surprise me, I think it’s great.

“He’s got a reputation for being a tough-guy, being above it all, so it was good that he had that reaction. He really wanted it, he’d suffered for it and he got it. I like that.

“I’ve not spoken to him recently. I’ve changed my telephone number a few times, just as he has I guess, but if I’ve got something good to say about him, it’s because I like him.

“People base their opinion on gestures or comments without really knowing anything. I should say that from what I’ve seen recently he’s changed a bit, but personally I like the guy – he helped me a lot when I arrived at United.”

Pique also had kind words for ex Barça boss Pep Guardiola. Pique said they had an “intense relationship” and that in the four years he was there he learned a lot. He noted that Guardiola left a legacy at the Catalan club and a way of understanding football that the club carries with them today. He finished by saying that Guardiola did a lot for Barcelona.

Gerard Piqué neither has any doubts about his continuity at the club. He said that “Everything will be ok. With the change of president, everything has been made clear. Bartomeu has already been in contact with us. I’m very calm and I know that Barça is my life,” he added.