De Gea Opens Up About Emotional Man Utd Departure and Triumphant Old Trafford Homecoming
Ex-Manchester United shot-stopper David De Gea has stated he harbors no resentment regarding how his exit from the club unfolded.
De Gea's dozen-year tenure with United came to a close in 2023 when negotiations for a contract extension failed to materialize, leading to his free transfer departure. He subsequently remained without a club throughout the entire 2023–24 season before eventually signing with Fiorentina.
With André Onana facing difficulties at United, numerous supporters have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to release De Gea, whose inconsistent performances had initially prompted the pursuit of Onana in 2023. The Spanish keeper's outstanding displays in Italy last term only intensified these sentiments.
Returning to Old Trafford for a pre-season match against United over the weekend, De Gea delivered a solid performance in Fiorentina's 1–1 stalemate, following which he was questioned about any lingering resentment regarding his United departure two years prior.
"No," he stated firmly. "Football can be unpredictable at times, you cannot control every aspect.
"I spent 12 years at this club, truly wonderful times, representing one of the finest chapters of my career. Representing this institution is simply extraordinary, particularly when you depart, you understand the magnitude of the club, how challenging it was to remain at a club like United for 12 years. I remain forever thankful to this club, to everyone involved, it has been an incredible experience.
"It has been quite some time since my return here, making today particularly meaningful, naturally."
United have faced challenges in the period following De Gea's exit, though the former Red Devil expressed confidence in Ruben Amorim's ability to return the club to its previous heights in the coming period.
"This is the nature of football sometimes, victory isn't always guaranteed," De Gea added. "I understand United has encountered some difficulties in recent years, but it remains among the world's premier clubs, a truly massive institution, and hopefully this season with fresh acquisitions and the manager beginning a new chapter, they can achieve something significant.
"Hopefully this campaign they can secure silverware and reach the position they rightfully belong."