Transfer Centre

David de Gea: 'I don't see myself leaving Manchester United'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 21 February 2022

David de Gea: 'I don't see myself leaving Man United'

David de Gea insists that he "does not see himself away from Manchester United" ahead of his reunion with former club Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has confirmed his desire to remain at Old Trafford for the long-term.

The 31-year-old was linked with a move elsewhere during Dean Henderson's emergence but has re-established himself as the Red Devils' number one this season.

De Gea was briefly tipped to head back to the Spanish capital with Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid, but the shot-stopper does not see himself leaving Old Trafford anytime soon.

Speaking to UEFA ahead of his reunion with Atletico in the Champions League, De Gea said: "I like the fact I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it's just a city. Now I feel as if I'm from Manchester; I just feel like anyone else from Manchester.

"Where you are loved and welcomed is your home. I've been here for many years and, obviously, anything can happen in life, in the world of football, but honestly I don't see myself away from Manchester United.

"Of course, I'm going back home [for this tie], I'm going back to the club that gave me the opportunity to be who I am today. But this is just another match. Everyone wants to play well, we want to win, it is a Champions League match.

"Obviously, I wish Atletico all the best, but I don't know whether the fact we're playing them is a good or bad omen. Everyone is going there to win, especially me."

De Gea has kept eight clean sheets in 32 appearances for Man United this season, and the Red Devils are reportedly planning to offer him a contract extension ahead of triggering his 12-month option until the summer of 2024.