Yahoo Sports ‘World-class’ star says ‘his heart will always be’ at Man Utd in press conference
David de Gea has spoken fondly about Manchester United following his move to Fiorentina on a free transfer.
The Spanish star spent 12 seasons with the Red Devils where he made 545 appearances across all competitions.
De Gea kept 190 clean sheets for the club in that period. He was still released at the expiry of his contract last summer.
United decided against triggering the 12-month extension clause in his £375,000-a-week deal.
After a year out of the game, the Atletico Madrid graduate has decided to restart his career with Fiorentina in Serie A.
When asked about the delay, De Gea said that he needed time to motivate himself for a new chapter away from United.
He added that United are a ‘top, top club’ and ‘his heart will always be’ there.
He said in a press conference (via Sky Sports): “Man United is a top, top club and my heart will always be there.”
“I never thought about retiring, it was just difficult to find motivations for new chapter after 12 years at a top club like Man United and I finally felt that at Fiorentina.”
De Gea, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by Luke Shaw, had a mixed end to his United career with some high-profile errors.
He was circumspect with his distribution from the back and preferred to go long when the opposition pressed him in the box.
United could have handled his departure in a better way. We are not surprised that De Gea lacked motivation to play last term.
He has now chosen a new challenge with Fiorentina, who finished eight in Serie A last season and missed out on Europe on the final day.
They also squandered the chance to win the Conference League for the second year running.
De Gea’s presence and experience between the sticks should help La Viola to push for a higher finish in the Italian top-flight this term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
