David de Gea makes his intention to stay at Manchester United crystal clear

Ahead of Manchester United's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Atletico Madrid, goalkeeper David de Gea declared his love for the Red Devils and stated he has no plans to return to his homeland. The 31-year-old, who has been consistent with his performance for United throughout his stint, will face his former club for the first time on Wednesday since leaving Wanda Metropolitano for a record-breaking fee in 2011.

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With De Gea's contract coming to an end in June 2023, the goalkeeper is likely to sign a new deal. In an interview with UEFA, the Spaniard has now made his intention to stay at Old Trafford crystal clear, stating that he cannot see himself playing for any club other than Manchester United.

Declaring his love for his adopted home city, De Gea said, "I like the fact I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it's just a city. Now I feel as if I'm from Manchester; I just feel like anyone else from Manchester," the Spaniard told UEFA.

"Where you are loved and welcomed is your home. I've been here for many years and, obviously, anything can happen in life, in the world of football, but honestly, I don't see myself away from Manchester United," De Gea added.

Talking about facing his former club, the goalkeeper stated, "Of course, I'm going back home (for this tie), I'm going back to the club that gave me the opportunity to be who I am today. But this is just another match. Everyone wants to play well; we want to win; it is a Champions League match."

"Obviously, I wish Atletico all the best, but I don't know whether the fact we're playing them is a good or bad omen. Everyone is going there to win, especially me," the Spain international added.

Although David de Gea's only Premier League title win came in his second season, the 31-year-old has time and again proved that he was worth all the effort Sir Alex Ferguson took to push Manchester United to splash 18.9 million pounds on him - a British record fee for a goalkeeper at that time.

De Gea, who is likely to win his fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, has made the most saves (96) of any Premier League goalkeeper this season. In his career at Old Trafford so far, the Spain international has made 1,024 league saves in 365 appearances for Manchester United.

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