Manchester United icon reflects on failed Real Madrid move – ‘Some things happen for a reason’ | OneFootball

About a decade ago, David de Gea was very close to joining Real Madrid in a big-money move that would have raised many eyebrows.

In the summer of 2015, Real Madrid and Manchester United were in talks to sign de Gea, who was then regarded as one of the most talented up and coming goalkeepers in European football.

However, the move collapsed at the end, apparently because the necessary paperworks were not filed in time.

De Gea ended up remaining at Manchester United until 2023 before joining Fiorentina in 2024 on a free transfer.

De Gea opens up about failed Real Madrid move

In a recent interview with Italian media Cronache Di Spogliatoio, de Gea was asked about his failed move to Real Madrid.

In response, the former Manchester United goalkeeper refused to give out anything but revealed that he will talk about the transfer once his career is over.

David de Gea was close to joining Real Madrid in 2015. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“My failed transfer to Real Madrid? At the end of my career, I will talk about what happened. In the end, it didn’t happen and I think some things happen for a reason,” he said (h/t AS).

“I stayed in Manchester and I was happy,” he added, highlighting his 12 year long stint at Old Trafford that saw him make 545 competitive appearances.

During this period, de Gea has had to endure many ups and downs. But at one point, he was ranked among some of the best goalkeepers in world football.

De Gea eventually left Manchester United in the summer of 2023 after playing out his contract at Old Trafford.

As mentioned earlier, the Spanish veteran joined Fiorentina a year later and is currently serving as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what de Gea has to say about his botched Real Madrid move once the goalkeeper hangs up his boots.