He may be the champions’ top shot-stopper, but Manchester United keeper David De Gea admits he dreamt of banging in the goals rather than slipping on the gloves.
The Spaniard’s performances this season have seen him named in the PFA Team of the Year and have silenced those who criticised a difficult debut year at United.
And De Gea is confident his experiences as an outfield player have helped him develop as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
“As a youngster I played as an outfield player,” he told the club website. “I was a forward and scored lots of goals but eventually settled on being a goalkeeper.
“I think I’ve always liked to pass the ball and dribble – in the Spain under-age teams, I used to practise with the ball at my feet.
“At a club like United, it’s important to be able to support the team in every way.”
The 22-year-old started his career with La Liga Atletico Madrid before making a £19million move to Old Trafford in 2011 and admits all he ever wanted to do was play professional football.
“All I can remember is wanting to be a footballer,” he added. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do and it’s hard for me to even consider doing anything else.
“I guess if football wasn’t an option, I would have concentrated a bit harder at school and put my mind to my studies. I would probably have gone to university and tried to attain a degree related to sport.
“Playing for United, one of the greatest clubs in the world, is always a source of pride to me. Every time I pull the shirt on, I’m pulling on the history of this club.”
Picture courtesy ofYahoo, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
