David de Gea takes full advantage of second lease on career

After spending an entire year on the shelf, a large section of fans and observers were convinced David De Gea’s career was only one official announcement away from being over.

The Spaniard spent 12 years serving Manchester United, but the club allowed his contract to expire in June 2023, as Erik ten Hag was seeking a more “modern” goalkeeper, one who could help in the build-up play.

So, while the Dutch manager was preparing to reunite with his old Ajax pupil Andre Onana, De Gea was forced to clear his locker at Carrington, putting an end to a lengthy spell filled with joy, agony and unforgettable memories.

But while the custodian’s backdoor exit wasn’t exactly shocking itself – at least for those of us familiar with the current state of football – his disappearance from the scene truly caught us all unaware.

Vanished from the Scene

Yes, many had already felt that De Gea’s form was on the slide, but surely, he was still good enough to earn himself a contract with a renowned European side. And if it was a big paycheck that he was seeking, the Saudi Pro League had cash in abundance. Its extravagant spending reached its climax in the summer of 2023, right when the goalkeeper needed a club.

And yet, it never happened for the Spanish International who left observers confused by rejecting all proposals. Astonishingly, De Gea preferred to sit at home for an entire year rather than join a project that failed to convince him. That means missing out on hefty wages.

So, when Fiorentina signed the 33-year-old David de Gea in August, many eyebrows were raised. After all, a year on the sidelines had turned one of the most prominent goalkeepers of his generation into a hidden package.

Fiorentina is the perfect spot for De Gea

For a top star who spent a dozen seasons at Old Trafford, a half-empty under-renovation Artemio Franchi Stadium is hardly the sort of “Theatre of Dreams” fitting for this long-anticipated return to action, but…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/david-de-gea-takes-full-advantage-of-second-lease-on-career/

Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-10-08 20:44:18

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.