Gerard Pique Says He Would Never Join Manchester City Because Of 'His Love' For Manchester United

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique says his love for Manchester United "is too big" to even consider signing for Manchester City one day.

The 34-year-old defender, who spent four years at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2008, was heavily linked with a move to City in 2016 after it was confirmed that former boss Pep Guardiola would replace Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.

It was suggested that Guardiola would target Pique in a summer revamp but the Spaniard was quick to dispel those rumours on numerous occasions.

In fact, the former United defender went on record saying he would never sign for the Blues.

“My love for Manchester United is too big to let me even consider signing for City one day, even with Guardiola in charge," he said on Periscope.

Pique's comments have resurfaced in recent days after it was reported that Manchester City are willing to offer Cristiano Ronaldo a two-year contract worth £12.8 million a season, according to Sky in Italy.

In the past, Ronaldo, who scored 118 goals in 292 games for Manchester United, has played down a move to the club's local rivals in an interview with the BBC in 2015.

"You think the money is going to change my mind now?" he said. "I don't think so. I think it is not going to be the problem, because if you will speak about the money, I will go to Qatar.

"[They] maybe have more money than Manchester City, but it's not about the money. It's about the passion."

But rumours of a move to City aren't going away as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner appears likely to leave Juventus.

In fact, reports in France suggesting the 36-year-old and his entourage are "seeking to engineer" a transfer in the coming days.

According to L'Equipe via GFFN, Ronaldo has spoken with a number of Manchester City players about the transfer, including Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, as his future in Turin remains uncertain.

Thoughts on the potential move? Do you think Ronaldo would move to City?

Let us know in the comments below.