De Gea: My heart is in Manchester

David de Gea spent 12 years at Manchester United, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during that time, before being replaced by Andre Onana last summer. Despite interest from other clubs, the Spaniard didn’t agree to a move.

He has now signed for Italian club Fiorentina, who finished 8th in Serie A last season, and as quoted by Violanews, De Gea reveals why he has been out of football for a year.

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 two 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.

I received many offers, but I wanted to play in Italy. Pradé and Ferrari 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.

De Gea has discussed his aspirations for life in Serie A.

I am proud to wear the Viola shirt and to represent Florence. Thank you all. I want to thank the technical staff. It was a different year than usual. I decided to take a sabbatical, but I continued training alone. I had to be at my best, and when Fiorentina arrived, I had clear ideas.

They have great fans and a great history. It was an easy decision; I didn’t want to retire. Fiorentina have had great players and goalkeepers. I want to be part of the club’s history, help the young players, and have a winning mentality.

I want to help the club in everything. I am here to give 100% and improve the team. This is what I can promise. Serie A is one of the best leagues in the world and I can’t wait to meet everyone. We must immediately focus on the Parma game. We can dream of winning trophies and reaching our targets.