De Gea explains reason behind taking sabbatical after Man Utd exit
David de Gea has joined the Italian club ACF Fiorentina after taking a year-long break from football following his departure from Manchester United.
De Gea, who signed with Fiorentina on a free transfer, expressed his pride in joining the club. “I am proud to wear the Viola shirt and represent Florence. Thank you all,” he said, according to Violanews.
He explained his decision to take a break, saying, “Last year was different. I chose to take a sabbatical but kept training on my own. I wanted to stay in top shape, and when Fiorentina approached me, I knew what I wanted.”
De Gea also mentioned that joining Fiorentina was an easy choice because of the club’s passionate fans and rich history. “I didn’t want to retire. Fiorentina has had great players and goalkeepers. I want to be part of the club’s history, help the younger players, and bring a winning mentality,” he said.
After leaving Manchester United, De Gea spent a year in the city before returning to Madrid, where he had spent the previous 10 years. “I stayed in Manchester for a year and then went back to Madrid. I wanted to stay at a high level and kept training every day, even more than before. It wasn’t easy to train alone, but I’m fit and ready to play,” he added.
