Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has rubbished claims that he could leave the club in the January transfer window, saying: "Barcelona is my life".
The Spaniard had been linked with a return to Manchester United, who he played for between 2004 and 2008, and Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The 27-year-old has found himself on the periphery of the Barca side this season under new coach Luis Enrique, but says that he plans on staying at the Nou Camp and fighting for his place.
"Barcelona is my life and I do not plan to leave. I will continue to fight for a place," he told Movistar TV.
"I don't think playing two or three matches and then leaving would be consistent."
Pique, who is currently on international duty with Spain, has not played for the La Liga runners-up since appearing in the 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in October.
In his exclusive column for The Independent, Paul Scholes wrote that Pique could struggle in the English top flight now.
"He has been left out the side of late by Luis Enrique and, although he is a very talented defender, I have always thought that Spanish football, and Barcelona in particular, suits him best," Scholes wrote.
"He likes being in a side that keeps possession. He is great at home but playing away at the big teams in England is a completely different prospect for a defender. His success at Barcelona and with Spain has been incredible. But I think Gerard would find it harder back in the Premier League."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments