“We love you”, “Better than Onana” - Manchester United fans react as David de Gea drops emotional comment following Fiorentina move

Fans react as David de Gea makes an emotional comment about his former club Manchester United after signing for Italian club Fiorentina. The Atlético Madrid graduate spent 12 years at Old Trafford from 2011 to 2023.

The Spanish shot-stopper, who spent the entirety of the 2023–24 season as a free agent after leaving the Red Devils, expressed his emotions about the Premier League giants and spoke about his new venture with the Serie A side. De Gea said (via @FabrizioRomano on X):

"Man United is a top, top club and my heart will always be there. I never thought about retiring, it was just difficult to find motivations for new chapter after 12 years at a top club like Man United… and I finally felt that at Fiorentina."

Fans took to social media and flooded with posts expressing their admiration for David de Gea and hailing the Manchester United legend, following his recent comments. Here are some of the reactions on X:

One fan wrote:

"Fair enough. Well said. We love you David ❤️."

While another wrote:

"Better than onana."

"Man U will regret this," added another.

One account posted:

"Wow, still the best for me! Good luck."

Another posted:

"David De Gea We are really appreciative for the amazing work you did for the last 12years. Now that Onana is in, let us see what is capable of. Otherwise, wishing you amazing season and future in Fiorentina."

"We'll always love you Dave! Thank you for everything & good luck ❤️," chimed in another.

One user wrote:

"Happy to have you back on your feet!"

Another wrote:

"Playing for another club immediately after 12 years at Manchester United was going to be very difficult for David de Gea. Glad he has found the motivation to come back to football."

During his 12-year tenure at Old Trafford, David de Gea kept 190 clean sheets in 545 matches.

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David de Gea's departure from Manchester United

David de Gea's contract at Manchester United expired on July 1 2023 as negotiations over a new contract broke down. The Spanish goalkeeper was reportedly ready to take a hit on his £375,000 per week wages to extend his stay at Old Trafford. However, the club did not sign the contract, and his old deal expired, with manager Erik ten Hag choosing to sign Andre Onana as his replacement.

De Gea had reportedly told his inner circle that he would consider returning to the Red Devils if Erik ten Hag and director John Murtough left. However, the Dutch head coach's contract has been extended with the Premier League giants and is valid until 2026. De Gea claimed that Ten Hag and former football director Murtough were responsible for his departure, as per the Athletic.

John Murtough parted ways with Manchester United in April following minority owners INEOS' purchase of a 27.7% stake in the club. He was replaced by former Newcastle United director Dan Ashworth.

Many of David de Gea's former club teammates expressed their dissatisfaction with how the club dealt with the situation leading to the Spanish shot-stopper's departure.