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David de Gea has said that he will not reveal the complete story behind his transfer failed to Real Madrid until he retires, although he believes that the result was ultimately the best.
The Spanish was on the verge of a transfer from Manchester United to Madrid on the day of the deadline in the summer of 2015, but the agreement collapsed due to late paperwork.
Now playing for Fiorentina, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on the saga in an interview with the Italian exit Cronache di Spoglyatoio.
“I will talk about all that when my career ends. When things don’t happen, it’s for a reason,” he said. “It was close, but the transfer was not completed … Personally, it went well because Manchester is my home.”
De Gea joined United from Atlético de Madrid in 2011 and became one of the most consistent artists in the club, winning the Premier League in 2012-13 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his 12 -year stay, he raised several other important trophies, including the FA Cup (2016), the Europa League (2017) and the Cábao Cup twice (2017 and 2023).
🚨🗣️ David de Gea: “My failed transfer to Real Madrid? At the end of my career, I will talk about what happened.
In the end, it didn’t happen and I think some things happen for one reason: I stayed in Manchester and I was happy. ” @Cronachetweet pic.twitter.com/m5dxmabgac
– Madrid Xtra (@Madridxtra) July 21, 2025
He made 545 appearances for the Red Devils before leaving the club in 2023 when his contract expired.
After a year out of football, De Gea signed with Fiorentina in 2024 as a free agent. He described rupture as a transformer both mentally and physically.
“It was one of the best years of my life,” he said. “That sabbatical year made me a world of good, both mentally and physically: I felt a little tired. I felt it was time to stop and get louder and went well.”
Despite receiving offers to remain in the Premier League, De Gea explained that joining another English club was never an option.
“It is true that I had offers from other English clubs, but in my heart, it was impossible to play for another club. I just wanted to play for United because it is the club where I developed, where I have been for most of my career and I had a very good career there. I also had offers from other countries.”
At 34, De Gea seems to have found a second wind in Italy. He maintained 11 clean sheets in 42 appearances last season and recently compromised his future to Fiorentina signing a new contract that will keep him in the club until June 2028.
