The defender says, despite the reported off-field problems that both have had in their careers, the media have created their personas, and they are good people to be around.

"I know that Ibrahimovic and Balotelli are nice boys and are fun to chat and play with," Pique told Sky Sport 24.

"The media often creates characters which don't exist. When Ibra was here at Barcelona, he proved to be a good person and a player to be admired.

"Of course, the relationship between the player and the coach was always complicated. Footballers want to play all the time and when they don't get their wish, that's when problems arise."

Pique believes the two have moved on, and thoroughly deserve the success which has accompanied their respective careers.