Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has lifted the lid on his emotional exit from the club two years ago.
De Gea’s split from United
De Gea was released by United in the summer of 2023 after 12 years of loyal service, which saw him win the Premier League, EFL Cup, Europa League and FA Cup.
The Spaniard was set to be handed a new contract to extend his stay at United but then-manager Erik ten Hag changed his mind, opting instead to dip into the market for a new goalkeeper that was better suited to his style of play.
Ten Hag sanctioned a swoop for Andre Onana, who joined from Inter Milan.
De Gea was denied the chance to bid supporters a proper farewell but he got the opportunity on Saturday during United’s pre-season clash with Fiorentina.
He emerged from the Old Trafford tunnel to rapturous applause, greeted like a hero by the crowd.
David de Gea returns to Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/KYl8bAcmjD
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) August 9, 2025
When the 34-year-old was withdrawn in the second half, he was met with another thunderous wave of applause.
David de Gea gets Old Trafford ovation pic.twitter.com/9df8s9hiik
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) August 9, 2025
He spoke to reporters after the final whistle and insisted that he harbours no hard feelings towards United for the manner of his exit.
De Gea speaks about his United departure
De Gea said [as quoted by Manchester Evening News], “Sometimes football is like it is. You can’t control everything. I’ve been here 12 years, very, very nice, it’s one of the best periods of my life.”
“Playing for this club is just unbelievable, especially when you leave the club, you realise how big is the club, how difficult it was to be 12 years in a club like United. I’m always grateful for this club, for everyone, it’s been an amazing journey.”
“Great, sometimes it’s difficult to describe with words how you feel on the pitch, seeing the crowd, the players, everybody there, it was emotional for me. It’s a game that I’ll never forget for sure.”
The Fiorentina shot-stopped expressed hope that Ruben Amorim will be able to turn things around at United after a difficult past few months.
“Sometimes this is football, you can’t win all the time. I know it’s been some years that United struggle a bit but it’s one of the best clubs in the world, it’s a massive club and hopefully this year with the new signings and the manager starting a new era they can do something big and that’s it.”
“Hopefully this year they can win something and be there where they deserve.”
He added about his return to Old Trafford, “It was great. It’s been a long time since I came back here so it’s been a special day. Old friends, people that I’ve been with a lot of time, I had a lot of love from them.”
“Very special coming to Old Trafford, onto the pitch, with nearly a full stadium, it was amazing.”
“He (Ferguson)’s the boss, the reason why I came to United. So yeah, he’s very important to me. He’s always talking to me, helping, he’s a legend for the club, everybody loves him. So happy to see him.”
United’s full attention now shifts towards their Premier League opener against Arsenal next Sunday.
Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
