De Gea Returns To Old Trafford, Admits He Doesn't Feel Upset About Manchester United

David De Gea received a sweet welcome when he returned to Old Trafford (Instagram/@d_degeaofficial).

JAKARTA - David De Gea insists there is no feeling of annoyance about how he left Manchester United.

He made this statement when he returned to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving the club two years ago.

However, he returned to Old Trafford not as a Manchester United player. This happened when De Gea, who is now in Fiorentina's uniform, faced the Red Devils in a friendly match, Saturday, August 9, 2025.

In that match, Fiorentina lost 4-5 on penalties after the normal time match ended 1-1.

After the match, De Gea became the target of journalists seeking information about his relationship with Manchester United.

"No (disappointed). Sometimes football is like that, you can't control everything."

"I've been here (Manchester United) for 12 years. It's very, very fun. It's one of the best periods of my life."

"Playing for this club is incredible, especially when you leave this club, you realize how big it is for this club, how difficult it is to be at a club like Manchester United for 12 years."

"I'm always grateful for this club, for everyone, it's been an incredible journey."

"It's been a long time since I've been here (Old Trafford). So, this is a special day, of course," he said as quoted by ESPN.

Rumors of the goalkeeper's bad relationship with Manchester United surfaced in 2023. At that time, he appeared to be signing a contract extension.

However, the Spanish goalkeeper finally left on a free transfer and was replaced by Andre Onana as Manchester United's main goalkeeper.

His 12-year departure at Manchester United - where he was named the best player four times.

De Gea spent a year without a club after leaving Manchester United before joining Fiorentina as a free agent in 2024.

He played 35 times in Serie A for the 2024/2025 season and signed a new three-year contract in May 2025.

The 34-year-old confirmed that he was happy in Italy, but admitted that he had considered retiring after his departure from Old Trafford.

"These things always cross my mind, but I feel good. I practice again, I feel ready to play again."

"Fiorentina gave me the opportunity to play. I feel really, really good there."

"It feels like family, I feel great, the city is amazing, the club is great. Today we can play against top teams like Manchester United. So hopefully this year we can also get something special," said De Gea.

In that match, De Gea received a souvenir from Manchester United players in the form of a frame with a photo collage.

"A magical moment for me and my family to return to Old Trafford - my house. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for the welcome, for all the love you have shown me today."

"To supporters who have never stopped accompanying me during my time at this club, our path may meet again, but for today, we have seen everything," wrote De Gea in an Instagram post.