"You never stood a chance" - Rio Ferdinand sends sympathetic message to Man Utd flop sold for £5m

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has sent a touching message to Gerard Pique after he announced his retirement from football.

The Barcelona defender, who has won over 30 trophies in his career, played his final match as a professional footballer on the weekend. He featured in Barca's 2-0 win over Almeria which saw them stay top of La Liga.

Pique started his career at the Catalan club before making the move to Man United where he won the Premier League and Champions League against Chelsea in 2008.

Ferdinand joked that he played 'one of the biggest parts' in making Pique who he was and explained in his Instagram post what he meant by that.

Ferdinand wrote: "The fact that myself and nemanja were playing at Man Utd you never had a chance….so you had to move on to Barcelona!!! That was my part in catapulting you to greatness!!"

The former United defender continued and said: "I hear debates about the best CB’s of this era and I don’t see your name enough…..without you at Barcelona do they play out from the back as smoothly, would they of had the personality in that area in the big moments to take the ball & to be brave….we will never know but you was there doing that year after year - quietly & effectively.

"Respect my man for a truly great career.

"PS - President of Barca watching 7yrs…..👀👀👀🤌🏽🤌🏽," he added.

Pique and Ferdinand at Old Trafford (image via: Alamy)

In Pique's retirement speech, he went on to say: "I've always said that there would not be any other team after Barca.

"And that's how it will be. Football has given me everything.

"Barca has given me everything. You, culers [the fans], have given me everything and now that all that kid's dreams have come true, I want to tell you I have decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end."

He was then asked about speculation connecting him to a role at the club later down the line: "You know me," he said.

"Sooner or later, I will be back. I'll see you at the Nou Camp. Long live Barca, always!"