David de Gea Reflects on Emotional Old Trafford Return with Fiorentina After Controversial Manchester United Exit
David de Gea has opened up on his controversial Manchester United exit from 2023, with the Spanish goalkeeper adamant that he has no regrets.

David de Gea Reflects on Emotional Old Trafford Return with Fiorentina After Controversial Manchester United Exit

Former United Goalkeeper Opens Up on 12-Year Spell, Life After Football, and Fresh Start in Florence

David de Gea’s return to Old Trafford this week was always going to be a moment thick with emotion. The Spaniard, who spent 12 years as Manchester United’s last line of defence, made his first appearance back at the Theatre of Dreams since his sudden and much-debated exit in 2023 — this time wearing the purple of Fiorentina.

It wasn’t just a reunion with the stadium and its fans; it was a collision of the past and present. For a goalkeeper who amassed 545 appearances, four Player of the Year awards, and an almost mythical status among sections of the United faithful, this friendly match carried the weight of a career chapter revisited.


A Controversial Farewell Still Fresh in the Minds of Fans

When United opted not to renew De Gea’s contract, allowing him to leave on a free transfer, it left supporters divided. Some felt the decision was a necessary step in Erik ten Hag’s rebuild. Others believed United had cast aside one of the club’s most loyal and consistent performers far too quickly.

In his place came Andre Onana, the Cameroon international known for his ball-playing ability but also criticised for a string of costly errors in his debut season. For many, it reopened the debate: should De Gea, still only 34, have been given a new deal?

De Gea, however, sidestepped any temptation to stoke controversy. Speaking after facing his old club, he was philosophical:

“No. Sometimes football is like it is, you can’t control everything,” he said. “I’ve been here [United] 12 years — very, very nice. It’s one of the best periods of my life.”


Looking Back on a Remarkable United Career

David de Gea Manchester United 2022-23

David de Gea Manchester United 2022-23

Few players manage to survive more than a decade at a club as demanding as Manchester United. Fewer still do so while consistently winning individual accolades. De Gea’s time in Manchester spanned multiple managers, squad overhauls, and the post-Sir Alex Ferguson turbulence, yet he remained a constant presence.

“Playing for this club is just unbelievable,” he reflected. “Especially when you leave the club, you realise how big it is, how difficult it was to be 12 years in a place like United. I’m always grateful for this club, for everyone — it’s been an amazing journey.”

His words carried the tone of a man who has made peace with the past. There was no bitterness, no subtle jabs — just respect for the institution that shaped much of his professional life.


A Year Away and the Thought of Retirement

After leaving United, De Gea disappeared from the football spotlight. A full year without competitive action sparked rumours about his future, with whispers of early retirement swirling.

“There’s always these things coming to your mind,” he admitted. “But I was feeling good. I trained again, I was feeling ready to go again.”

When Fiorentina came calling, it reignited his passion.

“Fiorentina gave me the opportunity to play. I’m feeling very, very good there. It’s like a family — the city is amazing, the club is great. You see today we can play against top teams like United, so hopefully this year we can make something special.”


The Old Trafford Reunion

Manchester United v ACF Fiorentina - Pre-Season Friendly

Manchester United v ACF Fiorentina – Pre-Season Friendly

The friendly between Manchester United and Fiorentina may not have carried competitive stakes, but it was far from meaningless. For De Gea, walking out onto the Old Trafford pitch again was both surreal and comforting.

The match ended 1-1 in regulation time before United edged the Italians 5-4 in a penalty shootout. As fans applauded both teams, the spotlight naturally found its way to the returning goalkeeper. Some waved Spanish flags. Others simply clapped with quiet appreciation.

The bond between De Gea and the Stretford End, forged over a decade of spectacular saves and unflinching commitment, was still there — and visible in every cheer that met his name.


Life in Florence

In many ways, Fiorentina is a fitting new chapter for De Gea. The club’s mix of ambition and tradition mirrors some of what he loved about United. The slower pace of life in Florence offers balance to the high-intensity demands of Serie A football.

Tied to the club until 2028, he has already settled in, both on and off the pitch. The Viola faithful have embraced him, and his experience brings a calming presence to a side with hopes of challenging for domestic and European honours this season.


A Legacy Untarnished

Regardless of how his Manchester United exit unfolded, De Gea’s legacy at Old Trafford is secure. He arrived in 2011 as a skinny 20-year-old from Atlético Madrid, criticised for his handling in the early days, and left as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.

The Spaniard’s highlight reel — from the one-handed stop against Juan Mata’s Chelsea free-kick to the incredible string of saves against Arsenal in 2017 — remains etched in Premier League folklore.

His four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards are a testament not just to his shot-stopping ability, but to the trust and admiration of United’s supporters.


Moving On Without Forgetting

De Gea’s return with Fiorentina wasn’t about proving a point. It was about reconnecting with a place that will always be part of his story. His words, warm and unguarded, made it clear: Manchester United was a defining chapter, but not the end of the book.

And now, with a new home in Florence and a fresh challenge ahead, he seems content — motivated to write the next part of his career while carrying the memories of Old Trafford with him.

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