Former Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea has reportedly decided to hang his boots if he doesn’t get an offer to be No. 1 at a major club. The player is currently a free agent after parting ways with the Red Devils.
According to reports, the Spanish goalkeeper might retire from professional soccer. This is provided if he doesn’t get a good proposal from some top club to be their first-choice keeper. De Gea has already rejected several proposals, including the ones from Saudi Arabia, which surely indicates that money isn’t the main factor driving the player.
The player is reportedly keeping himself fit, as he still hopes for an offer from some major clubs. He will be 33 this November and would like to represent a club for major honors.
🚨🚨🌕| JUST IN: David de Gea may 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗥𝗘 if he does not receive an offer to be the first-choice goalkeeper at a major club. De Gea has rejected several approaches, including from Saudi Arabia, with money not a prime motivator. [@JamieJackson___] pic.twitter.com/SOiuJILjHj
— centredevils. (@centredevils) September 22, 2023
David de Gea left Old Trafford after 12 glorious years. It was a trophy-laden run as he won the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, and the Europa League. De Gea was twice named the Premier League Golden Glove winner, which includes the one he received last season. He was selected five times for the PFA team of the year.
The former Atletico Madrid man also claimed Man United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, which he was voted for by fans. It was a record as he won it for three consecutive seasons and four times in total.
David de Gea holds the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award joint record for most wins with 4, and is the only player to win the award in 3 consecutive seasons. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/fThq6F3oLl
— Uncle Wilson (@iam_wilsons) May 16, 2023
The world-renowned player is reportedly disappointed with the way he had to depart from United after his contract expired. Erik ten Hag replaced him with Inter Milan’s André Onana. De Gea was then offered a new deal but on reduced terms.
This was a step backward for the player, as he was one of the club’s highest earners. After the discussions between the parties broke in July. The doors for De Gea to say his goodbyes to the fans at the stadium also became impossible.
Manchester United stars still upset with the club’s treatment of former star David de Gea
Manchester United players are reportedly still annoyed about how the club treated Spanish star David de Gea before his departure from the club in the summer. However, David’s contract at Old Trafford expired at the end of June, and the Spaniard left the club after 12 years of service.
According to The Sun, the club’s squad isn’t over the treatment De Gea received before leaving. Rumors suggest that United’s locker room has a divided opinion on how de Gea left. Bruno Fernandes was named Manchester United captain this summer. He wrote a heart-touching message for his former teammate on social media.
“You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you,” says Bruno Fernandes.
Exits can’t all be stage-managed but after 12 years at the club, most of them overwhelmingly positive as a player, David de Gea merited a proper farewell.#MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) July 8, 2023
The Portuguese midfielder posted on Instagram saying, “You know what I think about you and how much I will miss you, bro. You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories. You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten. And no one can’t take it away from you. All the best for what’s coming for you and your family”.
Video: Manchester United players ‘remain upset at De Gea exit’ amid Onana struggles https://t.co/pJY1bKJPpI #LiveTube
— LiveTube Alerts (@livetubealerts) September 22, 2023
Although the terms were reportedly agreed between both parties over a new deal for the 32-year-old. But it would have seen the goalkeeper reducing his salary which previously was $4,58,962 a week.
The club, however, later backed out of the agreement as manager Erik ten Hag had reservations about De Gea’s ability with the ball. He chose to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan for a deal worth $57.5 million to be the club’s new first-choice shot-stopper.