David De Gea has opened up on why he couldn’t bring himself to play for another English club after leaving Manchester United, explaining his emotional sabbatical and eventual return to football in Serie A with Fiorentina.
David De Gea has finally explained why he turned down multiple offers from Premier League clubs following his surprise exit from Manchester United in 2023, calling a return to English football “impossible” after spending over a decade at Old Trafford.
The Spanish goalkeeper, now 34, departed United as a free agent after 12 highly decorated years, during which he made 545 appearances and won four Player of the Year awards — the most by any player in the club’s history. Despite his longevity and elite form over many seasons, United opted not to renew his deal, instead appointing Cameroon international André Onana as his successor. That decision has since faced scrutiny, with Onana enduring a mixed spell as United’s new No.1, marked by inconsistency and high-profile errors.
While speculation mounted over De Gea’s next move, the former Atlético Madrid man chose to step away from the game entirely, taking a self-imposed 12-month sabbatical before eventually signing for Serie A side Fiorentina in 2024.
Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, De Gea revealed the emotional weight behind his decision to reject offers from other English clubs:
I turned down offers from England because after spending so many years at a club like United, you feel like you don’t want to play for another club in England.
I only wanted Manchester United, and while it’s true that I received offers from England, I knew it would be impossible for me to play anywhere else. I’ve spent my whole life there; it’s the club that shaped me and allowed me to have a wonderful career.
De Gea also reflected on his time away from the game, insisting that the break was necessary for him to recharge mentally and physically.
I felt it was time to rest and come back even stronger. People asked me, ‘When are you coming back?’ I reassured everyone, ‘I’m fine, I’ll be back.’ It was normal for people to have some doubts after a year out, but I was sure that after a game or two I’d be back to my old self.
Now back in competitive action with Fiorentina, De Gea has quickly reasserted his value between the sticks. His experience and leadership have proven vital, with the club reaching the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season. In recognition of his impact, Fiorentina have handed him a contract extension through to 2028.
For De Gea, the move to Florence has provided a fresh start without compromising the loyalty he still feels towards Manchester United — a club he admits will always feel like home.
