David de Gea has said he won’t disclose the full story behind his failed transfer to Real Madrid until after he retires, though he believes the outcome was ultimately for the best.
The Spaniard was on the brink of a move from Manchester United to Madrid on deadline day in the summer of 2015, but the deal famously collapsed due to late paperwork.
Now playing for Fiorentina, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on the saga in an interview with Italian outlet Cronache Di Spogliatoio.
“I will speak about all of that when my career is over. When things don’t happen, it’s for a reason,” he said. “It was close but the transfer wasn’t completed… Personally, it went well because Manchester is my home.”
De Gea joined United from Atlético Madrid in 2011 and went on to become one of the club’s most consistent performers, winning the Premier League in 2012-13 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Over his 12-year stay, he lifted several other major trophies including the FA Cup (2016), Europa League (2017), and the Carabao 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 a 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 away from football, De Gea signed for Fiorentina in 2024 as a free agent. He described the break as transformative both mentally and physically.
“It was one of the best years of my life,” he said. “That sabbatical year did me a world of good, both mentally and physically: I was feeling a bit jaded. I felt it was the time to stop and come back stronger and it went well.”
Despite receiving offers to remain in the Premier League, De Gea explained that joining another English club was never an option.
“It’s true that I had offers from other English clubs but in my heart, it was impossible to play for another club. I only wanted to play for United because it’s the club where I developed, where I’ve been for most of my career and I’ve had a very good career there. I also had offers from other countries.”
At 34, De Gea appears to have found a second wind in Italy. He kept 11 clean sheets across 42 appearances last season and recently committed his future to Fiorentina by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2028.
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2025-07-22 15:39:49
