Manchester United’s Spanish shot-stopper David de Gea, has revealed how he feels about living in Manchester and playing for the Red Devils.
The former Atlético de Madrid shot-stopper will be returning to his boyhood club for the first time since leaving them over 11 years ago for a foray in England.
He almost left Old Trafford three seasons ago when Atlético’s city rivals, Real Madrid, were interested in signing him. However, he stayed on and has proven to be one of United’s best performers in that time frame.
He now returns to Spain to play against the club where he got his big break and could probably face hostilities due to his association with Real Madrid in the past.
Speaking ahead of Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Atlético, De Gea said: “I like the fact I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it’s just a city.
“Now I feel as if I’m from Manchester; I just feel like anyone else from Manchester. Where you are loved and welcomed is your home.
“I’ve been here for many years and, obviously, anything can happen in life, in the world of football, but honestly I don’t see myself away from Manchester United.
“Of course, I’m going back home [for this tie], I’m going back to the club that gave me the opportunity to be who I am today. But this is just another match.
“Everyone wants to play well, we want to win, it is a Champions League match.
“Obviously, I wish Atletico all the best, but I don’t know whether the fact we’re playing them is a good or bad omen. Everyone is going there to win, especially me.”
De Gea outlines how he became a success at Atlético
In the past 11 years of De Gea featuring for the Red Devils, he has been in the discussion for the world’s best goalkeeper on several occasions.
His comments in the pre-match press conference ahead of the all-important Champions League tie against his boyhood club also suggest that the 31 year-old is open to a contract extension at Manchester United.
His current deal with the club is set to expire in 2023 and there have been reports from the media as well as comments from pundits and fans alike suggesting that the Spaniard is due for a move away from Old Trafford.
He was asked by journalists about his early days in Atlético de Madrid. “At that moment, I was kind of the third-choice goalkeeper [behind Sergio Asenjo and Roberto],” he began.
“I have always believed in myself, I used to train a lot and just tried to prove: ‘I am here, I may be young but I’m good enough’.
“I tried to do my best, and then, it was fortunate for me but unfortunate for Roberto that he got injured and I got the chance to prove that I was good enough.
“When Quique [Sanchez Flores] arrived, the team changed. We won game after game, and there was a moment when Asenjo and I were both available and he chose me. I played nearly every game.
“We made it to the final of the UEFA Europa League, and we won it. We also made it to the final of the Copa del Rey. We lost, but at least we made it to the final. And then we won the UEFA Super Cup against that great Inter side.”
He was signed by Manchester United the year after the infamous win over treble-winning Inter Milan in the UEFA Super Cup following his standout performances to keep the Nerazzurri out and hand Los Rojiblancos a famous Super Cup victory.
