After spending a whole yr on the shelf, a big part of followers and observers had been satisfied David De Gea’s profession was just one official announcement away from being over.
The Spaniard spent 12 years serving Manchester United, however the membership allowed his contract to run out in June 2023, as Erik ten Hag was looking for a extra “trendy” goalkeeper, one who may assist in the build-up play.
So, whereas the Dutch supervisor was making ready to reunite along with his outdated Ajax pupil Andre Onana, De Gea was compelled to clear his locker at Carrington, placing an finish to a prolonged spell full of pleasure, agony and unforgettable reminiscences.
However whereas the custodian’s backdoor exit wasn’t precisely surprising itself – a minimum of for these of us aware of the present state of soccer – his disappearance from the scene really caught us all unaware.
Vanished from the Scene
Sure, many had already felt that De Gea’s type was on the slide, however absolutely, he was nonetheless ok to earn himself a contract with a famend European facet. And if it was an enormous paycheck that he was looking for, the Saudi Professional League had money in abundance. Its extravagant spending reached its climax in the summertime of 2023, proper when the goalkeeper wanted a membership.
And but, it by no means occurred for the Spanish Worldwide who left observers confused by rejecting all proposals. Astonishingly, De Gea most popular to sit down at residence for a whole yr moderately than be part of a challenge that didn’t persuade him. Meaning lacking out on hefty wages.
So, when Fiorentina signed the 33-year-old David de Gea in August, many eyebrows had been raised. In any case, a yr on the sidelines had turned some of the distinguished goalkeepers of his era right into a hidden package deal.
Fiorentina is the right spot for De Gea
For a high star who spent a dozen seasons at Outdated Trafford, a half-empty under-renovation Artemio Franchi Stadium is hardly the kind of “Theatre of Goals” becoming for this long-anticipated return to motion, but it surely nonetheless served the trigger.
The truth is, one may argue that the Tuscan facet is the perfect membership to deliver the Spaniard again to relevance. In any case, we’re speaking a few prestigious and impressive group. Fiorentina repeatedly hosts top-class stars. For instance, Gabriel Batistuta, Rui Costa and Mo Salah have all represented Fiorentina. The Serie A facet gives De Gea the possibility to characteristic in one in every of Europe’s largest leagues. On the identical time, it’s a membership that doesn’t compete for the very best honor. Nor does the membership possess a top-notch goalkeeper, all due respect to Pietro Terracciano.
In his first two appearances for the Viola, the returning shot-stopper helped the Italians qualify for the UEFA Convention League. Fiorentina has misplaced every of the final two Europa Convention League Finals. Maybe will probably be the third time fortunate for the Serie A membership.
Nonetheless, De Gea’s “true” return to prominence could have ensued final Sunday. He led Fiorentina to a . His counterpart, Mike Maignan, drew first blood by denying Moise Kean from the spot. Then, the Spanish star outdid him by pulling off two fabulous penalty saves in opposition to Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham. He then palmed away a late effort from Samuel Chukwueze to protect the victory.
What the Future Holds for De Gea
We’ve got not often seen a footballer taking such a protracted voluntary hiatus and selecting up from the place he had left. Nonetheless, the early proof suggests the Man United legend may very well be one of many few exceptions. Granted, it helps that he’s a goalkeeper. It will be tougher to think about such a comeback for an outfield participant at an analogous age, bodily talking.
Furthermore, Father Time may be rather more merciful with goalkeepers. On the age of 33, De Gea arguably has many good years left within the tank. That is very true if he maintains his work ethic which proved efficient.
And who is aware of? Maybe Fiorentina will find yourself serving as a mere stepping stone within the comeback of David de Gea.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
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