De Gea honoured with ‘special presentation’ by Manchester United | OneFootball

Fiorentina goalkeeper David De Gea will be part of a special ceremony from Manchester United players and fans when he returns to Old Trafford for a friendly match on Saturday.

As soon as the Viola announced that their pre-season tour would include a visit to Manchester United, the excitement was palpable for the presence of De Gea.

David De Gea saves Theo Hernandez’s penalty in Fiorentina-Milan EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

In a 12-year spell at the club, the Spanish goalkeeper played 545 competitive matches, putting him seventh in the all-time list of most used players.

He was allowed to leave as a free agent and then spent a year out of football, preferring to rest and wait for the right opportunity to present itself.

That came in the form of Fiorentina, who allowed him to revitalise his career.

De Gea new lease of life at Fiorentina

Goalkeeper David de Gea of Fiorentina warms up prior to the UEFA Conference League fouth qualifying round second leg match between Puskas Akademia FC and Fiorentina in Pancho Arena in Felcsut, Hungary, 29 August 2024. EPA-EFE/Zsolt Szigetvary HUNGARY OUT

Having recently signed a new contract with the Serie A side, De Gea will be greeted as an opponent at Old Trafford with a special ceremony.

Manchester United announced the players and fans will provide him with ‘a presentation to recognise his contribution to the club’ before kick-off in Saturday’s game.

At the same time, De Gea released a video message in response to old teammate Bruno Fernandes, who had promised to score some goals against him.

“Bruno, you know, you cannot score against me, and if you score, it’s because I let you score so people keep singing your name!

“But honestly I can’t wait to see you my friend. I can’t wait to see you all at Old Trafford, so I’ll be there on Saturday, see you soon!”