Manchester United shot-stopper David De Gea hopes to finish his career at the old Trafford side. The former Spanish number one is confident of snaring a new contract with the Red Devils.
Once upon a time, there was a fixation on ball-playing goalkeepers. The idea swept through football as managers bought into the philosophy of having goalkeepers capable of playing as a last defender. It meant some goalkeepers became relics of the past. The ability to avoid conceding goals became a secondary requirement.
One of the casualties of this new idea was Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea. Pep Guardiola was a primary proponent of this idea, with Luis Enrique as his disciple. David De Gea lost his place in the Spanish national team, with plenty of pressure heaped on his club to discard him. Many believed Dean Henderson was a better ball-playing goalkeeper and angled for him to take over from the Spaniard.
The resilience of David De Gea won through, with Henderson sold to Nottingham Forest, and the Spaniard a massive factor in Man United having any realistic chance of making it into the top four in the Premier League. The tried and tested De Gea is now winding down his football career. He hopes to resolve the current contract situation with United amicably.
De Gea wants to retire at Old Trafford as United starts discussions
Time flies quickly, and David De Gea is a testament to it. The Spaniard has grown from the fresh-faced youngster when he first arrived at Old Trafford to time tested veteran manning the goalpost for Man United. Simply put, De Gea is now a man. He survived the criticism and jabs thrown at him that could have derailed his United career.
Arguably one of the best shot-stoppers in the business, De Gea is in the final year of his United contract. Goalkeepers of his quality are scarce in the market, and United is moving quickly to keep him at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have started discussions with the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper to extend his contract with the club.
Man United hold the option of extending his contract by another 12 months and has opened discussions with the Spaniard. De Gea has been at Old Trafford for over a decade, as he joined the club in 2011. He hopes to see out his career at the club and is eager to thrash out issues over a new contract.
The position by De Gea
De Gea seems calm and confident about his contract situation. He radiates an air that suggests that he will be at Old Trafford for a lengthier period. According to the Spanish goalkeeper, he is relaxed and focused on training to perform as best as possible for the club. De Gea believes that discussions over a new contract will end well. He alluded to that in a chat with MEN.
When pressed about the possibility of ending his career with Man United, De Gea said he hopes so. He claims he is happy at the club, and after many years with the club, it is an honour to play for United.
De Gea also spoke of the impact of the new manager since his arrival at the club last summer. The Spaniard said he is doing well, and the lads feel like a team. De Gea posited that under the leadership of the Dutchman, everyone wants to play and win for the club.
De Gea is yet to concede a goal at home in the Premier League since September 4.
