Gerard Pique is one of the few players to have struggled to get into a Premier League team before becoming a regular for Champions League-winning side.
Perhaps Pique’s tough time in England is why he’s come out with his belief that neither Real Madrid or Barcelona would win the Premier League if they were to joint it. At least not in their first season anyway.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Barca defender said: “I think that if Barcelona or Real Madrid goes to the Premier League then the first year of playing there, there is no chance of winning it.”
The incredulous reporter then asks him if he is serious, prompting Pique to bust out one of the all-time great footballing cliches: “Yes, I think so, because if you go to Stoke, or other types of teams, then it will be really tough.
“It’s a debate – we could spend hours on it. If Manchester United or Chelsea go to Spain then the same. No chance to win the league.”
Pique clearly rates English football highly, having chosen a surprising English footballer in his ultimate dream team. But we’re not so sure that Messi and co would struggle all that much.
