I never considered retiring from my career. Manchester United is a top club, and my heart will always be with this team. I never contemplated finishing my career. It was difficult to find the motivation to open a new chapter in my life after 12 years at a top club like Manchester United. Eventually, I found that motivation at Fiorentina, as the Mirror reports. On August 9th, de Gea signed a contract with Fiorentina. In July 2023, the goalkeeper’s employment agreement with Manchester United expired, and from that moment he was a free agent.
The transfer to Fiorentina represents a new challenge for de Gea after over a decade with the Red Devils. The 32-year-old Spanish international has been one of the most consistent and reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League throughout his time at Old Trafford. During his 12-year spell at United, he made over 500 appearances, won the Premier League title, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the Europa League. Despite his impressive resume, de Gea faced increasing scrutiny in recent seasons as his performances began to dip. There were questions about his long-term future at the club, especially with the emergence of young goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who spent two seasons on loan at Sheffield United before returning to United.
In the end, with his contract expiring, de Gea decided the time was right for a new adventure. Fiorentina, who finished 8th in Serie A last season, presented an intriguing opportunity for the veteran shot-stopper to experience a different league and culture. “I’m excited for this new chapter in my career,” de Gea told reporters at his Fiorentina unveiling. “Fiorentina is a historic club with passionate fans, and I’m looking forward to helping the team achieve its goals. It was a difficult decision to leave Manchester United, but I felt I needed a new challenge.” The move to Italy will also reunite de Gea with his former United teammate, Juan Mata, who joined Fiorentina earlier this summer. The two Spaniards enjoyed a close friendship during their time together at Old Trafford, and Mata’s presence in Florence was undoubtedly a factor in de Gea’s decision.
“It will be great to play alongside Juan again,” de Gea said. “We have a strong bond, and I’m sure he played a part in convincing me to come to Fiorentina. I’m looking forward to linking up with him on the pitch and helping the team achieve success.” Fiorentina fans will be hoping de Gea can bring his wealth of experience and shot-stopping ability to the Artemio Franchi Stadium. The club has not won the Scudetto since 1969, and the addition of a proven winner like de Gea could be just the boost they need to challenge for a top-four finish in Serie A this season. For de Gea, the move represents a fresh start after a challenging last few years at Manchester United. He will be eager to prove he still has the quality to perform at the highest level and help Fiorentina reach new heights. It’s an exciting new chapter in the career of one of the Premier League’s all-time great goalkeepers.
For the “Red Devils,” the Spanish goalkeeper made 545 appearances in all competitions, 190 of which were clean sheets. In these matches, de Gea conceded 590 goals. According to information provided on the Transfermarkt portal, the player’s market value is €5 million. Despite his impressive career at Manchester United, the time felt right for de Gea to seek a new challenge. At 32 years old, he still has several productive years ahead of him, and the move to Fiorentina represents an opportunity to experience a different league and culture.
“It’s been an incredible journey at Manchester United, and I’ll always be grateful for the support and memories the club and its fans have given me,” de Gea said. “But I felt the time was right to take on a new challenge, and Fiorentina presented an exciting opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.” The Spaniard will be hoping to replicate the success he enjoyed at United, where he established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. During his time at Old Trafford, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League, as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Year on five occasions.
However, in recent years, de Gea has faced increased competition for the starting role from the likes of Dean Henderson and has at times struggled with his form. The move to Italy represents a chance for him to rediscover his best and potentially earn a recall to the Spanish national team, where he has earned 45 caps. “I’m excited to get started with Fiorentina and prove that I still have a lot to offer at the highest level,” de Gea said. “The club has a rich history, and the fans are incredibly passionate. I’m determined to help the team achieve their goals and potentially qualify for European competition.” Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano has expressed his delight at securing the services of the experienced goalkeeper. “David is a world-class talent, and we’re thrilled to have him join our club,” Italiano said. “His shot-stopping ability, leadership, and winning mentality will be invaluable as we look to take the next step as a team.”
The move to Italy will also provide de Gea with an opportunity to experience a different style of play and tactical approach. Serie A is known for its defensive solidity and emphasis on organization, which could suit the Spaniard’s strengths as a commanding presence in the penalty area. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of adapting to a new league and style of play,” de Gea said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to experience, and I believe my skill set will translate well to the Italian game. I’m ready to embrace this new chapter with Fiorentina and give everything I have to help the club achieve its ambitions.” With his wealth of experience and proven track record of success, David de Gea will be expected to play a crucial role in Fiorentina’s bid for a top-four finish in Serie A this season. The move represents a new beginning for the Spaniard, and he will be determined to prove that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level of the game.
