Juan Mata David De Gea Manchester UnitedGetty Images

David de Gea sends hilarious birthday message to Juan Mata as ex-Man Utd goalkeeper compares former team-mate to Malcolm in the Middle protagonist

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Article continues below

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  • De Gea wished Mata on his 35th birthday
  • Compared him to Malcolm in the Middle star
  • Goalkeeper remains free agent since leaving Man Utd
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    De Gea, who spent eight years at United and six years in the Spain national team with Juan Mata, wished the midfielder a happy birthday on social media as the ex-Red Devils and Chelsea player turned 35 on April 28.

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  • WHAT DAVID DE GEA SAID

    The goalkeeper uploaded three different Instagram stories tagging his close friend. The first story comprised a photograph of the duo from a Spain national team training, where he wrote, "Happy birthday Amigo. Best of the best."

    David De Gea Juan MataDavid De Gea Instagram

    In the second story, he uploaded a major throwback photograph of Mata from his Real Oviedo days. The third photograph was an image of Malcolm in the Middle protagonist Malcolm, portrayed by actor Frankie Muniz.

    Juan Mata David De GeaDavid De Gea InstagramMalcolm in the Middle David De GeaDavid De Gea Instagram
  • De GeaGetty Images

    THE GOSSIP

    De Gea remains a free agent following his departure from Old Trafford at the end of the 2022-23 season. Several clubs approached him in the last two transfer windows including Saudi Pro League teams but he refused to accept those proposals. However, as per the latest rumours, Real Betis are reportedly keen on signing the ace custodian as a free agent ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

  • David De GeaGetty

    WHAT NEXT FOR DAVID DE GEA?

    The 33-year-old recently fuelled speculation that he could be nearing a return to professional football after posting a video of himself training on social media.