David De Gea says 'I don't see myself away from Manchester United' ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
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ByEurosport
Updated 21/02/2022 at 17:39 GMT
David de Gea will face his former club Atletico Madrid for the first time since leaving the capital in 2011. De Gea has made 473 appearances for Manchester United and says he does not see him leaving the club anytime soon as Manchester is now his home. De Gea currently has a contract until 2023 and his comments suggest he would be open to remaining at United until he retires from football.
David de Gea
Image credit: Getty Images
David de Gea says he does not see himself leaving Manchester United in the near future.
The Spain international will face his boyhood club Atletico Madrid for the first time in the Champions League last-16 on Wednesday evening.
De Gea could face a negative reception from the Atletico fans as he almost moved to fierce rivals Real Madrid in 2015.
The 31-year-old has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League with United and has a contract until 2023. He says Manchester is his home and cannot see himself leaving the Premier League club anytime soon.
"I like the fact I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it's just a city," De Gea told the club’s official website.
"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 broke through at Atletico aged 19 and said he was grateful for the support he received from Quique Sanchez Flores who was the manager at the time.
“When Quique [Sanchez Flores] arrived, the team changed” said De Gea.
“There was a moment when [Sergio Asenjo] and I were both available, and he chose me.
“I played nearly every game. We made it to the final of the Europa League, and we won it. We also made it to the final of the Copa Del Rey and then we won the UEFA Super Cup against that great Inter side.”
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