The former Manchester United goalkeeper has lifted the lid on his life since leaving Old Trafford
David de Gea has been nothing however trustworthy about his aspect this season(Image: YouTube/Fiorentina Official)
Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has opened up about his 12 months spent away from the game. The Spaniard has referred to these 12 months because the “best” of his life.
De Gea grew to become a legend at Old Trafford. The now 35-year-old received the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup underneath Sir Alex Ferguson as he claimed the mantle as one of many best shot-stoppers within the recreation.
After 12 seasons at United, he left in July 2023 and spent the whole thing of the 2023/24 season as a free agent earlier than signing with Serie A membership Fiorentina, the place he continues to play his soccer to this present day. Thursday will see De Gea return to English shores with La Viola as they tackle Crystal Palace within the first leg of the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.
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The former Atletico Madrid star has endured a mixed season in Florence, with Paolo Vanoli’s aspect turning into embroiled in a relegation combat. De Gea and his team-mates have since pulled off a dramatic U-turn, nonetheless, and started climbing the Serie A standings.
Touching on his life spent outdoors of the game after leaving United, De Gea advised Gazetta: “It was a straightforward choice. After 12 years at United, I wanted a break.
“So I took a 12 months off to dedicate to my household and buddies: it was the perfect 12 months of my life. But I continued to coach with a coach, Craig, who was very supportive and did an amazing job with me.
“I was sure I could compete at a high level again. When Fiorentina called me, I was ready. The first time I walked into Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, I was speechless: there aren’t many facilities like it in Europe.”
De Gea waxed lyrical over his time in Manchester. He labelled Sir Alex a “father figure” and insisted that dropping the Premier League in agonising circumstances to metropolis rivals Manchester City in 2012 was the driving drive behind United’s title win the next season.
“We misplaced the Premier League in our first 12 months when City took the title from us with a last-minute win regardless of our victory over Sunderland. I made up for it by profitable it in 2012/13 – each recreation at United was particular,” he continued.
Elaborating on Fiorentina’s difficulties this season, he stated: “There’s no explanation. We started badly and put a lot of pressure on ourselves. It was tough for me too, as I found myself fighting for survival for the first time.
“The younger gamers suffered extra; in these conditions, you must be mentally sturdy. I wasn’t at my greatest both, however I did not surrender. Hard work is the one strategy to get out of it.
“The hardest moment was at the end of 2025, when we were last, hadn’t won a game, and the statistics said no one in our situation had ever survived. I was worried then: I felt like I was in a nightmare. Now, however, we’ve improved in many areas and are still in the running in the Conference, but we have to keep working hard.”
The tie towards Palace has been one to observe for the star, with returning to England all the time a tantalising prospect. He concluded: “We’re focused on Serie A, but we have to believe in it. Crystal Palace are strong, and it’ll be great for me to return to England. Winning a trophy would be amazing for the fans; we can do it.”
