Pique, the former Manchester United defender, accepts that Barca may have lost some of the aura of greatness that surrounded their European triumphs of 2009 and 2011.
Gerard Pique: "I think that maybe they (opponents) don't fear us as before because in the last two years we did not win the Champions League, but I think they still respect us.
"We are a team with a lot of players who have won the World Cup, Champions Leagues and leagues.
"I think we can still be the best but we have to show to the world that we can do it.
"This is a great opportunity to show we are top players and can win here.
"It is very special (to be in Manchester).
"I was 17 when I came here, a child. Obviously I would have liked to have played more but it was a very special three years, I learned a lot.
"I always say Manchester United is my second team after Barca and Sir Alex Ferguson is the best."
Yet if Pique was to leave Barca, there is still only one other club he would like to play for.
Gerard Pique: "What do you think? If I had to choose one it would be United.
"But I am very happy in Barcelona - it is the club of my life and I am not thinking of leaving."