David de Gea’s latest comments suggest the goalkeeper is staying at Manchester United after all.
The Spaniard, who was named Player of the Season again this year, has long been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
It almost happened last season, but for a last-minute hitch involving Real Madrid’s fax machine which stopped the deal going through before the midnight deadline.
And if Madrid think they can try again this summer, they might find it a little harder to tempt de Gea away judging by his ringing endorsement of new manager Jose Mourinho.
Speaking to Marca, de Gea described Mourinho as a “winning coach” with whom he shares the same philosophy and mentality.
“I’m certain we can build a great team. I welcome him”, he said.
Even with Mourinho replacing Louis van Gaal, it has been suggested that the stopper would move in search of Champions League football and titles.
If Madrid wasn’t an option, he wouldn’t find himself short of offers elsewhere if he did want to leave.
He has gained a reputation as the best goalkeeper in England, despite just missing out on the Premier League ‘Golden Glove’ by conceding a late Chris Smalling own goal on the final day of the season.
Undoubtedly, he is capable of playing for a Champions League club, but he appears happy in Manchester for now.
The Red Devils are expected to bring in plenty of fresh faces this summer, which may have gone some way to reassuring de Gea that they will be challenging for the league again next season.
If Mourinho gets United back to winning ways as expected, then de Gea’s loyalty will have been vindicated, and he may even set an example to others at the club.
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