THIAGO ALCANTARA TOLD NOT TO JOIN MANCHESTER UNITED

ABOVE: Thiago netted a hat-trick in the Under-21 European Championship final

Players in his position like Xavi were patient and they ended up defining an era

Gerard Pique

19th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

GERARD PIQUE has told Barcelona to try and talk Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara into staying at the Nou Camp.

Thiago netted a hat-trick in Spain's 4-2 win over Italy in the European Under-21 Championship final.
But the midfielder made just 15 starts in La Liga last season and his future at the Nou Camp is in doubt
He has already decided to leave Barcelona with United and Bayern Munich interested in him, according to reports in Spain.

Either club could seal his signature shortly by paying his £15m buy-out clause before 31 July, after which his transfer fee will rise.
"There is a possibility that he could leave but we have to convince him that the best place for him is Barcelona," Pique told Spanish radio program Al Primer Toque on Onda Cero,
"Players in his position like Xavi were patient and they ended up defining an era."