**David De Gea’s time at Manchester United had more ups than downs, with the latter coming towards the end of his time there**.
The player has revealed that the best period of his life came right after his exit from Old Trafford.
[Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/player-jokes-hed-better-off-posting-fans-manchester-united-summer-exit/) covered how the Spanish press mocked the goalkeeper when he was away from the game after his departure from England. That break came as a surprise, and then the Spaniard joined Fiorentina in 2025.
He has become an important part of their squad since then. While inconsistent, De Gea has seen a resurgence in Italy. He’s played 30 times in Serie A, with La Viola facing a relegation dogfight in the current campaign.
Now 35-years-of-age, the Manchester United one-time-hero has opened up about his exit in a detailed chat with [Gazzetta dello Sport.](https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Fiorentina/27-03-2026/fiorentina-de-gea-intervista-eravamo-morti-vanoli-ci-ha-riportati-in-vita.shtml)
De Gea has no regrets about decisions
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The Spain international was asked about his choice of joining Fiorentina. He went on talk about Manchester United and how the break from football transpired.
David De Gea said: _“It was an easy decision. After 12 years at United, I needed a break, so I took a year off to dedicate to my family and friends. It was the best year of my life. But I continued to train with a coach, Craig, who was very supportive and did a great job with me. I was sure I could compete at a high level again.”_
The goalkeeper never had second thoughts about joining La Viola, saying: _“When Fiorentina called me, I was ready. The first time I walked into Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, I was speechless. There aren’t many facilities like it in Europe.”_
De Gea also spoke of his biggest regret and the best moment during his time at Manchester United.
He responded: _“We lost the Premier League in our first year when City took the title from us with a last-minute win despite our victory over Sunderland. I made up for it by winning it in 2012-13. Every game at United was special.”_
Further, the stopper described Sir Alex Ferguson as a father-like figure in his career. He also expressed gratitude towards Quique Sanchez Flores.
_“I owe a lot to Sanchez Flores, who brought me into the first team at Atletico when I was very young: with him we won the Europa League and the European Super Cup. Sir Alex wanted me at United, he was fundamental to me, like a father.”_
De Gea now pitching for new club
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The period at Fiorentina and the one-year break has, in a way, helped David De Gea get his reputation back on track. It probably gave him time to reflect. The Manchester United exit wasn’t pretty at all and it came after a lot of criticism was aimed at the Spaniard. His status as a legend took a hit, with Fiorentina having helped him get back to the top.
In recent weeks, the Italian press has spoken of interest from Juventus. With Fiorentina struggling around the relegation zone, De Gea would obviously want something better. Besides, he isn’t used to relegation battles and is more accustomed to challenging for silverware.
That’s why the Gazzetta interview feels like a way to promote the player in the Italian market. It is probably strategic and opportunitistic, with La Viola now possibly only a stepping stone for him to get back to the top.