De Gea: 'Two decades of excellence required to match Ronaldo and Messi'

In a candid conversation with Italian publication Cronache di spogliatoio, David de Gea looked back on his illustrious 15-year career at the highest level of football, sharing insights on Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and other footballing icons.

De Gea joined Man Utd in the summer of 2011 after two prominent seasons with Atletico Madrid. He won seven trophies at Old Trafford, including the 2013 Premier League and the 2017 Europa League. The Spanish goalkeeper was named to the Premier League Team of the Year five times and won the Golden Glove twice. He finished his 12-year Man Utd career with 545 appearances, the seventh most in the club's history. Photo: Reuters

De Gea joined Man Utd in the summer of 2011 after two prominent seasons with Atletico Madrid. He won seven trophies at Old Trafford, including the 2013 Premier League and the 2017 Europa League. The Spanish goalkeeper was named to the Premier League Team of the Year five times and won the Golden Glove twice. He finished his 12-year Man Utd career with 545 appearances, the seventh most in the club's history. Photo: Reuters

Despite offers from Arab and English clubs after leaving Man Utd, de Gea chose Fiorentina in the summer of 2024. At 33, it was a lifestyle choice as much as a career move.

De Gea discussed his close friendship with Juan Mata, who once described his champion's mentality as a calm, almost carefree approach. De Gea acknowledged his naturally calm demeanor, viewing it as a strength he projects onto the defense, while still asserting his personality on the field.

Having shared locker rooms with some of the world's best, de Gea expressed concern about the changing dynamics between generations. He contrasted the respect he witnessed as a young player with a perceived lack of it today, noting that younger players often seem to lack humility, even before achieving significant success.

He admitted to feeling like an outsider in recent years, even in Spain, a sentiment shared by Mata and Herrera. De Gea emphasized his desire to be a role model at Fiorentina, guiding younger teammates both on and off the field.

De Gea explained his year-long break from football, during which he declined offers from Arab and English clubs. He detailed his training regimen with Craig Ellison, a coach he met during this period, and how it helped him both physically and mentally. He valued the time spent with family and felt refreshed and ready to compete at the highest level again.

He addressed his decision to reject offers from England, explaining his deep connection to Man Utd and his unwillingness to play for another English club. He felt he needed the break to return stronger.

De Gea praised Fiorentina's facilities and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting Viola Park as one of the best training centers in Europe.

He recounted a humorous anecdote about Sir Alex Ferguson, who left a box of donuts in the locker room after de Gea was falsely accused of stealing one. He also discussed his close friendship with Sergio Aguero, despite playing for rival clubs in Manchester.

De Gea shared his passion for video games, particularly Rainbow Six and FIFA. He discussed Rebels Gaming, his esports team, and his commitment to its success.

He also revealed his love for rock and heavy metal music, contrasting it with the reggaeton preferred by his teammates. He mentioned his interest in Japanese culture, sparked by his friendship with Shinji Kagawa, and his fondness for anime.

De Gea spoke about Sir Alex Ferguson, who reportedly missed only two matches during his career: one for his son's wedding and another to scout de Gea. He described Ferguson as a father figure, albeit a strict one, and recalled a motivational speech where Ferguson praised him in front of the team.

He spoke highly of Eric Steele, his goalkeeping coach at Man Utd, crediting him with his physical development. He also recalled his early days at Atletico Madrid, where he was initially relegated to the third-choice goalkeeper for the reserve team, only to rise to the first team due to injuries and his own performance.

De Gea shared that he was a prolific striker in his youth, only becoming a goalkeeper due to his father's influence. He also discussed his vision problems and how laser surgery corrected them.

He briefly touched upon the near-transfer to Real Madrid in 2015, stating he would share the full story later in his career. He praised Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity and dedication, calling him a "monster" for his continued success at 40.

De Gea's best saves from the 2022-2023 season.

Ronaldo (left) and De Gea during their time together at Man Utd. Photo: MUFC

He expressed his support for Paul Pogba's return after a doping ban and shared a story about colliding with Lionel Messi during a match, marveling at Messi's strength and dedication.

De Gea praised Sergio Busquets' transformative impact on the holding midfielder role and Manuel Neuer's resilience. He also lauded Wayne Rooney's talent and intensity.

He expressed his willingness to return to the Spanish national team if called upon, but emphasized his focus on Fiorentina. He reaffirmed his love for Manchester and Man Utd, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football.

Finally, de Gea discussed his recent contract extension with Fiorentina until 2028, expressing his happiness with the club and the city.

Hoang Thong (adapted from Cronache di spogliatoio)