Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has revealed that he is happy at Old Trafford and said the reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid are just rumours. When asked about the subject of a potential move by Kicker, De Gea said, “Just rumours. I’m happy here.”
The 23-year old was being linked with a move to the Bernabeu after a string of impressive displays which began last season. De Gea had a difficult start to his career at Old Trafford but has silenced his critics after a season where he was probably the best player in a poor United team.
After joining United from Atletico Madrid, De Gea found it hard to cope in the Premier League. The Spaniard was only 20 back then so it was understandable that he had the burden of a massive fee on his shoulders. The physicality of the Premier League took it’s toll on De Gea as he would often make mistakes in set-pieces. Back then, manager Sir Alex Ferguson used to rotate the goalkeepers as Anders Lindegaard too got his chances because of De Gea’s shaky form.
However, the former Manchester United manager backed De Gea in his difficult periods for which the former Atletico man was thankful, “It was a difficult time but Sir Alex always backed me. He saved me from criticism and was patient until I was ripe for United.
“Today I’m thankful for that [the criticism]. That made me stronger. Goalkeeper is tricky position. Mistakes are human. It’s about being up to that. If you make mistakes you will have to improve. Now I’m better.”
Now, it’s hard for almost anyone to replace him between the sticks, such has been his form. De Gea also replaced Iker Casillas as the Spanish number 1 in his national team’s last fixture against Luxembourg, and could keep that spot in the upcoming games.
For Real Madrid, it’s not the end of the story as they can always come back with an offer that United and De Gea will not be able to refuse. The Galacticos wanted to sign him as a long term replacement to Iker Casillas whose form hasn’t been the best in the past few years.