"It's fantastic for the league because next year there will be so many stars," Pique said Friday at Spain's training camp for the Confederations Cup.

The center back said his former Manchester United teammate, who will arrive at Madrid in a deal worth $131 million (£80 million; 93 million) to the Premier League club, was worth every penny.

"A player is worth what a team pays," Pique said. "It's what he's worth. You have to pay the price."

It was Madrid president Florentino Perez's second signing since assuming the presidency for the second time. Madrid also signed Brazil midfielder Kaka from AC Milan for a reported 65 million ($92 million).

"Madrid is reinforcing itself, spending a lot of money, but I prefer something that already works and that is a guarantee of titles and will definitely work next year unlike something new, which you never know how it will work," Pique said. "I prefer to be at Barca, clearly."

Pique has been a regular in the national team during Barcelona's run to becoming the first Spanish club to win three trophies in a season this year and is expected to feature at the Confederations Cup, a warm-up event for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

With Champions League, Spanish league and Copa del Rey silverware lining the trophy cabinet, Pique's message to Barcelona fans was simple.

"The message to send is of tranquility," Pique said. "If that tranquility isn't there after a season of winning the treble then there's a problem."

Pique also expected Man United manager Alex Ferguson to spend the English champion's money wisely.

"I imagine he'll buy a couple of players since there is no other player worth (that money)," the 22-year-old Pique said. "He'll definitely invest heavily to create another strong team as he has over the past 25-26 years of his career. A team that will no doubt win more titles again."