David de Gea sends Manchester United emotional message during Fiorentina press conference

David de Gea has sent Manchester United an emotional message during his first press conference as a Fiorentina player.

David de Gea departed Manchester United as a free agent in the summer of 2023, ending a 12-year tenure that saw him become a fixture at Old Trafford.

Throughout his time with the club, De Gea was the first-choice goalkeeper under several managers, including Sir Alex Ferguson in his final seasons, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

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Despite his consistent performances, the club opted not to renew his contract due to his high wages. His departure coincided with Erik ten Hag‘s arrival as manager and the signing of André Onana as the new goalkeeper.

Since leaving United, De Gea has received multiple offers but has yet to secure a new club. Reports suggest that he is seeking a move to a Champions League team and has turned down opportunities from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Eventually, it was confirmed that, 14 months after his Old Trafford departure, he would sign for Serie A club Fiorentina. Speaking in his first press conference, he sent United an emotional message, saying it would always be “his home.”

“I spent a year in Manchester before returning to Madrid. I wanted to stay at a high level. I didn’t stop. It’s not easy to train alone. I spent 12 years in Manchester; it’s my home. That’s where my heart is set.

“It was difficult for me to find motivation to evaluate offers, so I decided to take a sabbatical.

“I am fit. I trained every day, even more than before. I am on a good level. Perhaps it will take some time in the first games, but I’ve been playing for many years, so you just need to put me in goal.”

Speaking further, he was asked why he chose Fiorentina, and he revealed that he wanted to play in Serie A.

“I received many offers, but I wanted to play in Italy. Daniele Pradé (manager) and Alessandro Ferrari (CEO) made it all easier; the parties had the same desire. The negotiation was simple, Fiorentina were the best option.

“I didn’t talk much to the coach, but I know what he expects from us keepers. He likes to attract pressure and go between the lines; he is a brave coach.

“We must work harder and harder. I like to work with young players, and I want to help them as much as I can. I’ve trained with Leonardelli, and he told me that it’s a dream to work with me. Many people wanted to see me return to action, which is a good sign.”

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