FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique ruled out rumors that he is considering a transfer to Manchester City next season when his former boss Pep Guardiola takes over the head coaching job from Manuel Pellegrini, citing his "love for Manchester United" as the reason why he will not move to the Etihad.

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"My love for Manchester United is too great for me to sign for City, even though Pep is a great coach," Pique said, as reported by ESPN. "I'm very happy in Barcelona. United are my second club, but my future is at Barça. I'm very proud to play at Barcelona. I think it's the best club in the world."

The 29-year-old Pique began his senior career with the Old Trafford residents in 2004 and had played there for four seasons, appearing in only 23 games in all competitions and scoring two goals mainly as a center back.

Rumors were out that the Citizens will give Guardiola enough resources to sign any player he wants to upon takeover and Pique, who is said to be a favorite of the Spanish coach when they were both with Barça, is reportedly one of his primary targets to join him in City.

Based on the Barcelona, Spain native's comments, he is planning to stay with his hometown club for a long time before he considers a change of team.

Pique admitted that he will do so during the later stage of his career, however, saying that "I would like to try a different league when I've got a few years to go before retiring".

He hinted of possibly playing in Colombia for his wife Shakira but ended by saying that "nobody can predict the future", according to SkySports.

Pique was signed by Barça in May 2008 for a transfer fee of €5 million from the Red Devils. He is now on his eighth season with the Catalonia residents and have already appeared in a total of 342 games in all competitions, scoring 31 times during the said time period.

TagsFootball News & Rumors, Gerard Pique, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City