David de Gea, the former goalkeeper of Manchester United, opened up in a revealing interview, where he did not hesitate to share his deepest feelings about his time at the club. After a remarkable 12-year career, De Gea is not just a name in the history of the Red Devils; he is a living legend who has etched his name in golden letters, but he also carries a weight of regret that he cannot ignore.
During his impressive journey at Old Trafford, De Gea stood out as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history. With 545 appearances and 190 clean sheets—both records for a Manchester United goalkeeper—he was the anchor of the team in moments of pressure. His contribution was vital in helping the club secure the Premier League, the FA Cup, the UEFA Europa League, and two Carabao Cup trophies. On an individual level, De Gea was recognized with two Premier League Golden Glove awards and four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards, voted for by the fans.
After a year-long hiatus as a free agent, the 35-year-old Spaniard decided to sign with Fiorentina. However, the new adventure in Italy has been far from a dream, with the team struggling to avoid relegation, currently sitting in 16th place in the table, just two points above the drop zone.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, De Gea reflected on his journey in Manchester and the influence of icons like Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo. “After 12 years at United, I needed a break. It was the best decision of my life. I dedicated a year to my family and friends, but I continued to train with a coach who supported me a lot,” De Gea confessed.
When asked about his biggest regret at Manchester United, the answer was direct and filled with emotion: “We lost the Premier League in my first year when City won the title with a last-minute victory, even though we beat Sunderland.” But not everything was sadness: “I made up for that by winning the league in 2012-13. Every game at United was special.”
The former goalkeeper also expressed gratitude to Sanchez Flores, who brought him into the first team at Atlético de Madrid: “With him, we won the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup.” And about Sir Alex Ferguson, De Gea was clear: “He was fundamental for me, like a father.”
Regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, De Gea did not hold back on his praise: “Cristiano has something special. Everything about him is incredible: the way he works, how he takes care of himself, his diet. He doesn’t become the best by chance.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United is preparing to return to action on April 13, hosting Leeds United in a match that promises to be full of excitement and tension, where the Red Devils hope to keep alive their dream of returning to the top of the table. De Gea’s story serves as a powerful reminder that, even amidst victories, athletes can carry the shadow of a defeat that follows them forever.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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