David de Gea is ‘proud’ to play for Fiorentina and admits it was ‘not simple’ to ‘consider affords’ after leaving Manchester United, so he took a sabbatical.
De Gea has moved to the Stadio Franchi on a free switch, signing a one-year cope with an possibility for an extra marketing campaign.
He left Manchester United in 2023 however didn’t play for some other membership final season.
The Spaniard held his first press convention as a brand new Fiorentina participant right this moment, Monday, August 12, on the membership’s coaching centre, Viola Park.
His very first phrases have been in Italian: “I’m proud to put on the Viola shirt and to characterize Florence. Thanks all,” he stated as quoted by Violanews.
“I need to thank the technical workers. It was a special yr than ordinary. I made a decision to take a sabbatical, however I continued coaching alone. I needed to be at my greatest, and when Fiorentina arrived, I had clear concepts,” he continued.
“They’ve nice followers and an important historical past. It was a simple determination; I didn’t need to retire. Fiorentina have had nice gamers and goalkeepers. I need to be a part of the membership’s historical past, assist the younger gamers, and have a successful mentality.
De Gea: New Fiorentina signing explains why he took a sabbatical after Man Utd exit
“I spent a yr in Manchester earlier than returning to Madrid. I wished to remain at a excessive stage. I didn’t cease. It’s not simple to coach alone. I spent two years in Manchester, it’s my dwelling. That’s the place my coronary heart is ready. It was tough for me to seek out motivation to judge affords, so I made a decision to take a sabbatical,” added the Spaniard.
“I’m match, I educated day by day, much more than earlier than. I’m on a great stage. Maybe it’ll take a while within the first video games, however I’ve been taking part in for a few years, so that you simply must put me in objective.”
Why did he select Fiorentina?
“I obtained many affords, however I wished to play in Italy. Pradé and Ferrari made all of it simpler, the events had the identical need. The negotiation was easy, Fiorentina have been the most suitable choice.
“I didn’t discuss a lot to the coach, however I do know what he expects from us keepers. He likes to draw strain and go between the traces; he’s a courageous coach.
“We should work more durable and more durable. I wish to work with younger gamers, and I need to assist them as a lot as I can. I’ve educated with Leonardelli, and he informed me that it’s a dream to work with me. Many individuals wished to see me return to motion, which is an effective signal.”
What are his targets in Florence?
“I need to assist the membership in the whole lot. I’m right here to offer 100% and enhance the workforce. That is what I can promise,” he stated.
“Serie A is among the greatest leagues on the planet and I can’t wait to fulfill everybody. We should instantly give attention to the Parma sport. We are able to dream of successful trophies and reaching our targets.”
De Gea’s transfer to the Stadio Franchi might push Pietro Terracciano in direction of Monza, however the Italian is at the moment nonetheless a part of the workforce.
“He’s a bit youthful than me, however competitors is all the time good,” stated De Gea.
“It should not be simple to play, there should be different gamers able to problem.”
Throughout his keep at Manchester United, De Gea, 33, gained one Premier League title, one UEFA Tremendous Cup, one FA Cup, and two Europa League titles, amongst different trophies.
He made 415 Premier League appearances with the Purple Devils, retaining 148 clear sheets.
