“its was not my intention to join Fiorentina, I don’t want to retire from football at the peak of my career- Ex-Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea explains break from football before Fiorentina move as he insists he ‘never thought about retiring’.

What happened?
The Spanish goalkeeper left Old Trafford at the end of the 2022/23 season after his contract with the Red Devils expired. Since then, the 33-year-old goalkeeper has not participated in a competitive game, and United has signed Andre Onana from Inter to replace him.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
De Gea will, however, make his comeback to football after signing on a free transfer with Serie A club Fiorentina this week. The former Spain international was formally presented as a Fiorentina player on Monday, and he explained why he chose to take such a long absence from the game.

WHAT DAVID DE GERA SAID
Speaking to reporters, the custodian stated, “Manchester United is a wonderful club, and my heart will always be there.” I never considered retiring, but it was hard to find motivation for a new chapter after 12 years at a top club like Manchester United. I ultimately found it at Fiorentina.”