As the long-serving goalkeeper prepares to face former team Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, David de Gea has stated that he does not see himself playing for any other club but Manchester United.
De Gea, who joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, has one year left on his contract, which runs out in 2023 with the club having the option to extend it for another year.
On Wednesday, the 31-year-old goalkeeper will face his former team Atletico Madrid in the opening leg of the last-16 tie, which will be his first time facing his boyhood club since moving to Old Trafford in 2011.
De Gea played down the significance of the occasion, but he may receive a mixed reaction from Atletico Madrid.
De Gea, on the other hand, has acknowledged his admiration for United and Manchester as a whole.
“I like the fact that I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it’s just a city,” De Gea, who has a one-year extension clause in his contract, stated.
“I now feel like I’m from Manchester; I just feel like any other Manchester resident.” Your home is where you are loved and welcomed.
“I’ve been here for a long time, and while anything can happen in life, especially in football, I don’t see myself leaving Manchester United.”
“Of course, I’m returning home [for this tie], I’m returning to the club that gave me the opportunity to become who I am today.”
He had this to say about his time at Atletico:
“I was somewhat of the third-choice goalkeeper (behind Sergio Asenjo and Roberto) at the time,” he told UEFA. “I’ve always been confident in my abilities.
“I used to exercise a lot and simply try to prove to myself that ‘I am here, I may be young, but I am good enough.’
“I tried my hardest, and then Roberto was hurt, which was fortunate for me but terrible for Roberto, since it gave me the opportunity to show that I was capable.”
“The team transformed when Quique (Sanchez Flores) came in. We kept winning games, and there was a time when Asenjo and I were both available, and he chose me.
“I participated in almost all of the games.” We arrived safely at our destination.
“I participated in almost all of the games. We made it to the Europa League final, and we won it.
“We also advanced to the Copa del Rey final.” We didn’t win, but we got to the final, and then we won the Super Cup against that great Inter team.”
David De Gea has made the most saves in the Premier League this season, with Illan Meslier of Leeds coming in second.