David de Gea left Man United in the summer of 2023 after more than a decade at Old Trafford.
Comments
Sport
Updated 14:04, 28 Mar 2025
David de Gea celebrates after a Fiorentina goal.
David de Gea spent more than a decade at Old Trafford.(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has admitted the 13-month sabbatical he had after leaving Old Trafford was "the best period in my life".
Following 12 seasons at Old Trafford, the goalkeeper left United not long after the conclusion of the 2022/23 season. He was originally set to be offered a new contract but club chiefs changed their plans after he was guilty of committing a cluster of high-profile errors towards the end of the campaign.
Article continues below
De Gea joined United in 2011 and succeeded Edwin van der Sar as first-choice goalkeeper. He made 545 appearances for the club, winning eight trophies.
However, after announcing his exit from Old Trafford in July 2023, he did not join a new club until the following August, signing for Fiorentina. Despite his career being halted for just over a year, the Spaniard enjoyed getting the opportunity to spend time with his family and friends.
"I just wanted to take it easy for a while after playing at the highest levels for many years," De Gea told La Repubblica. "Perhaps, it was the best period of my life.
"I could finally enjoy time with my family and friends whom I had seen little in the past 15 years. I travelled between Madrid and Manchester, continuing to train my mind and body."
De Gea, 34, has been a regular fixture for Fiorentina this season, racking up 29 appearances in all competitions. He signed a one-year deal with the Serie A club and his stay could be extended.
He continued: "I signed for one year and the club has an option to renew. I'm happy in Florence and at Fiorentina, but first we need to finish the season in the best possible way.
"The city is wonderful, and the people are amazing. The club has a unique history, and the Franchi excites me."
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.