'The best period of my life' - David de Gea opens up on shock sabbatical year away from football after leaving Man Utd as he awaits Fiorentina contract renewal decision

De Gea has shared his experience of spending an entire year as a free agent after departing Manchester United in 2023 and described the sabbatical as 'the best period' of his life. The former Spain international also shared his thoughts on his future at Fiorentina, where he has enjoyed a splendid season.

De Gea's final season for the Red Devils was the 2022-23 season, which coincided with the appointment of coach Erik ten Hag. While De Gea played 58 games in all competitions that season, including all 38 Premier League games, speculation that the goalkeeper didn't have the confidence of Ten Hag arose. At one point, he even considered retiring from the sport altogether due to Ten Hag's treatment.

In July 2023, De Gea left Old Trafford as the club's seventh-highest appearance maker of all time with 545 games under his belt. Contract negotiations broke down between the player and the club, and thus De Gea left as a free agent.

He was approached by Saudi Pro League clubs, although his desire was to find a club in Spain and settle there. No Spanish club came for his services, prompting him to stay away from the sport for a year. That was until he joined Serie A outfit Fiorentina last summer, where he has become one of the league's best goalkeepers.

Speaking to La Repubblica (h/t Football Italia), the 34-year-old spoke about the sabbatical and stated that he enjoyed spending more time with his close ones: “I just wanted to take it easy for a while after playing at the highest levels for many years. Perhaps, it was the best period of my life.

“I could finally enjoy time with my family and friends whom I had seen little in the past 15 years. I travelled between Madrid and Manchester, continuing to train my mind and body.”

In the same interview, the veteran goalkeeper also addressed talks about his future at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, hinting at his desire to continue. He signed on a one-year contract with the option to extend it for another season.

He added: "I signed for one year and the club has an option to renew. I’m happy in Florence and at Fiorentina, but first we need to finish the season in the best possible way. The city is wonderful, and the people are amazing. The club has a unique history, and the Franchi excites me.”

De Gea has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Fiorentina and has been among the team's best players. Currently sitting in eighth position in the Serie A table with 48 points, the Viola will be aiming to qualify for Europe next season. De Gea will next be seen in action on Sunday when his side welcome Atalanta.