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Topics: David De Gea, Manchester United, Fiorentina, Football, Premier League, Transfer News
Luke Davies
Topics: David De Gea, Manchester United, Fiorentina, Football, Premier League, Transfer News
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea reportedly turned down several offers from other clubs after he left the Red Devils in July 2023.
De Gea, 34, will return to Old Trafford with his current team, Fiorentina, on Saturday as the sides compete for the Snapdragon Cup.
The Spaniard spent 12 years at United, having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2011, before going on to win the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and two League Cups at the Red Devils.
Then, after making 545 appearances for United – the seventh most of any player - he left upon the expiration of his contract in 2023.
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And surprisingly, De Gea went 13 months without signing for another club before joining Fiorentina in the summer of 2024.
The 34-year-old has since made 42 appearances for the Florence club and appears to be enjoying life in Tuscany after a turbulent year prior.
Speaking about his ‘gap year’ during an interview with Cronache in July, De Gea said: “During this year off, which was special for me given that I'd been playing at a high level for 15 years, I trained at the Spanish national team's federal training centre and on a fifth division pitch in England. I think this year off did me great mentally and physically."
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The ‘keeper also opened up about the offers he received and subsequently turned down out of loyalty to United. Several reports at the time, suggested Newcastle United were interested in signing the 34-year-old.
He added: “I turned down offers from England because after spending so many years at a club like United, you feel like you don't want to play for another club in England.
“I only wanted Manchester United, and while it's true that I received offers from England, I knew it would be impossible for me to play anywhere else. I've spent my whole life there; it's the club that shaped me and allowed me to have a wonderful career. I felt it was time to rest and come back even stronger.”
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De Gea then explained how he “settled quickly in Florence” and “felt at home” from the first moment he arrived.
The ‘keeper will, no doubt, be looking forward to facing his former club on Saturday, and the Red Devils have confirmed there will be a presentation pre-match to honour De Gea's time with the club.