David de Gea remains, for many, one of Manchester United’s greatest ever goalkeepers - but the manner in which his 12-year spell at Old Trafford ended in the summer of 2023 left both the player and the fans short-changed.
After contract talks broke down as United looked for a keeper more comfortable playing from the back, De Gea departed the club without the proper send-off his service deserved.
Today however, the Spaniard returned to Old Trafford and was able to reunite with former team-mates and the supporters who still hold him in such high regard.
Following the 1–1 draw, which United won on penalties to claim the Snapdragon Cup, de Gea spoke to the media, capping a poignant afternoon for a player who created so many lasting memories in Manchester.
A special goodbye
David de Gea admitted returning to Old Trafford left him emotional, describing the occasion as “very special” after reuniting with former teammates and supporters. He said, "It's been a long time since I've been back here, so it's been a special day of course.
"I've seen old friends, people that I've been with them a lot of time. I have a lot of love from them, so yeah, very special coming to Old Trafford to pitch."
Reflecting on finally being able to say goodbye to the fans, De Gea said the moment was hard to put into words: "Sometimes it's difficult to describe with words how you feel on the pitch. Seeing the crowd, the players, everybody there. It was emotional for me, so it's a game that I'll never forget for sure."
When asked whether he felt any lingering disappointment about the manner of his 2023 exit, the Spaniard was reflective but philosophical about the end of his 12-year spell at the club. He said, "No, sometimes football is what it is. You can't control everything. I've been here 12 years, very, very nice. One of the best periods of my life, playing for this club is just unbelievable.
"Especially when you leave the club, you realise how big is the club, how difficult it was to be 12 years in a club like United. I'm always grateful for this club, for everyone. It's been an amazing journey."
Reuniting with former teammates
It was a particularly emotional evening for De Gea as he reconnected with several former teammates - none more notable than current captain Bruno Fernandes, a close companion from his United years. The Spaniard reflected on their reunion, saying, "I was just talking to him about how special it was for me to come back here. He's a very good friend of mine, so I was just laughing a bit."
De Gea also reunited with Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager who persuaded him to join the club and who remains a towering figure in United’s history. On meeting his former boss, he was full of gratitude: "He's the boss, he's the reason why I'm here, why I came to United. He's very important for me, of course.
"He's always talking with me, helping me. Everybody loves him, so I'm so happy to see him," he said.
Those moments, catching up with close friends and paying respects to the man who brought him to Old Trafford, helped make the night a fitting, heartfelt return for a player who gave so much to the club.
United's current state
The Red Devils endured a nightmarish campaign last season, finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final - a disappointing, shambolic year by any measure.
Yet, de Gea remains optimistic about the club’s prospects under Rúben Amorim, backing his former side to rebuild: "Obviously they've had a couple of difficult seasons. Yeah, but sometimes it's football, you can't win all the time. I know it's been some years that United struggle a bit, but it's one of the best clubs in the world.
"It's a massive club. Hopefully this year, with the new signings and the manager, starting a new era, they can do something big. Hopefully this year they can win something and be where they deserve to be," he said.
Loving life in Florence
Since joining Serie A side Fiorentina last summer, De Gea has settled into life in a new league and country. Reflecting on his debut season in Italy - and whether he had ever considered retirement after spending 12 months as a free agent before signing for Fiorentina - he was candid about how the move revived him: "Well, there's always these things coming to your mind, but I was feeling good. I was training again, I was feeling ready to go again.
"So, yeah, Fiorentina gave me the opportunity to play, so I'm feeling very, very good there. It's like a family, so I'm feeling great.
"The city is amazing, the club is great. You see today we can play against top teams like United, so hopefully this year we can make something special as well."
After qualifying for the UEFA Conference League last season with a sixth place finish in Serie A, de Gea and his teammates will be hoping to kick-off the 2025/26 strongly as Viola travel to take on Cagliari in their opening league fixture on August 24.