David De Gea reveals his Manchester United future ahead of the Champions League tie
De Gea has stated that he does not see himself leaving Manchester United anytime soon, adding that he feels like he is ‘from Manchester’ after spending more than a decade in the city.
After another outstanding performance away to Leeds United on Sunday, the Red Devils’ No. 1 is gearing up for a hectic week.
De Gea will return to Atletico Madrid this week for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against his former club.
The 31-year-old joined United in 2011 after leaving Atletico Madrid, and will play his former team for the first time on Wednesday.
Speaking before of the game, the Madrid native said that he feels completely at ease in the North West.
“I like the fact I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it’s just a city,” De Gea told UEFA.
“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.”
David De Gea memories at Madrid
De Gea made his Atletico Madrid debut at the age of 19 in the 2009/10 season, and he rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most watched adolescents.
But it was United who managed to entice the then-youngster away from his homeland, and he has since made an incredible 473 appearances for the Red Devils.
Speaking about that breakthrough season at Atleti, De Gea said: “At that moment, I was kind of the third-choice goalkeeper [behind Sergio Asenjo and Roberto]. 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.
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