David de Gea has stated he gained’t disclose the complete story behind his failed switch to Actual Madrid till after he retires, although he believes the end result was in the end for the most effective.
The Spaniard was on the point of a transfer from Manchester United to Madrid on deadline day in the summertime of 2015, however the deal famously collapsed attributable to late paperwork.
Now enjoying for Fiorentina, the veteran goalkeeper mirrored on the saga in an interview with Italian outlet Cronache Di Spogliatoio.
“I’ll discuss all of that when my profession is over. When issues don’t occur, it’s for a motive,” he stated. “It was shut however the switch wasn’t accomplished… Personally, it went nicely as a result of Manchester is my residence.”
De Gea joined United from Atlético Madrid in 2011 and went on to develop into one of many membership’s most constant performers, successful the Premier League in 2012-13 underneath Sir Alex Ferguson.
Over his 12-year keep, he lifted a number of different main trophies together with the FA Cup (2016), Europa League (2017), and the Carabao Cup twice (2017 and 2023).
🚨🗣️ David de Gea: “My failed switch to Actual Madrid? On the finish of my profession, I’ll speak about what occurred.
In the long run, it didn’t occur and I believe some issues occur for a motive: I stayed in Manchester and I used to be completely happy.” @CronacheTweet pic.twitter.com/m5dxmaBGac
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 21, 2025
He made 545 appearances for the Purple Devils earlier than leaving the membership in 2023 when his contract expired.
After a yr away from soccer, De Gea signed for Fiorentina in 2024 as a free agent. He described the break as transformative each mentally and bodily.
“It was probably the greatest years of my life,” he stated. “That sabbatical yr did me a world of fine, each mentally and bodily: I used to be feeling a bit jaded. I felt it was the time to cease and are available again stronger and it went nicely.”
Regardless of receiving provides to stay within the Premier League, De Gea defined that becoming a member of one other English membership was by no means an possibility.
“It’s true that I had provides from different English golf equipment however in my coronary heart, it was not possible to play for one more membership. I solely needed to play for United as a result of it’s the membership the place I developed, the place I’ve been for many of my profession and I’ve had an excellent profession there. I additionally had provides from different nations.”
At 34, De Gea seems to have discovered a second wind in Italy. He saved 11 clear sheets throughout 42 appearances final season and lately dedicated his future to Fiorentina by signing a brand new contract that may maintain him on the membership till June 2028.
