Ex-Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea explains break from football before Fiorentina move as he insists he 'never thought about retiring'

The Spanish goalkeeper walked out of Old Trafford at the end of the 2022/23 season after his contract with the Red Devils expired. The 33-year-old goalkeeper, since then, has not appeared in any competitive game while United roped in Andre Onana from Inter as his replacement.

However, De Gea will now finally return to the football pitch as he joined Serie A side Fiorentina last week on a free transfer. The ex-Spain international was officially unveiled as a Fiorentina player on Monday after which he revealed why he decided to take such a long break from the game.

Speaking to reporters, the custodian said, "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 motivation for a new chapter after 12 years at a top club like Man United… and I finally felt that at Fiorentina."

The former Atletico Madrid star could make his debut in Italy on Saturday as the Purples take on Parma away from home in their Serie A season opener.