Gerard Pique claims that he has silenced the critics who questioned Barcelona’s move to re-sign him from Manchester United.

Pique returned to the Nou Camp in 2008 for €6million after four seasons at Old Trafford and many openly criticised the move.

After contributing to Barca's treble of silverware last season with some great performance that earned him a Spain call-up, Pique thinks he has won over his critics.

"When I arrived there were people who did not understand my signing," he was quoted as saying by Sport.

"But I am happy now after last season and the critics have changed their opinion."

Pique then stated that he is delighted that Real Madrid have taken some pressure off Barcelona with their mega-spending ways.

"They have generated extra pressure with their signings and we welcome the fact that people are all talking about Madrid because we can continued with our work without being bothered," he added.