Roberto Martinez rues missing out on Man Utd new-boy De Gea.

Sam

Wigan Boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that he was on the verge of signing Spanish shot-stopper David De Gea, for almost nothing just a couple of seasons ago. The highly rated young goalkeeper from Atletico Madrid signed for Manchester United earlier today. Even though the financial aspects of the deal are yet to be revealed by both the sources, MUFC released an official statement on their club website saying, that The 20-year-old had passed a medical this week and has agreed a five-year deal with the club.

De Gea signs for Manchester United.

It is supposed that United Gaffer, Sir Alex Ferguson looks upon De Gea as a long term successor for Edwin Van Der Sar, who retired last season creating a huge gap in the team sheet. The Red Devils have been very active in the transfer market, and have already spent more than 50 million pounds this summer, acquiring players like Phil ones, Ashley Young, and the young Spaniard, in what looks to be a changing of guards, it the functioning of the club.

Missed Out: Martinez insists he had the chance to sign De Gea.

Yet, Wigan Athletic‘s manager Roberto Martinez is a bit sad that he had not been able to sign the same player on a loan deal just a couple of seasons ago. He is certain that he missed out on one of the best goalkeepers of the near future by missing out on De Gea. Wigan Athletic had agreed a season-loan deal with Atletico for De Gea in the 2009-10 season. But an 11th-hour change of mind by the Atletico management made the deal fall off, and the starlet remained in Spain. “It’s true, we had David signed on a loan deal, but unfortunately on the last day of the transfer window everything fell through,” Martinez said to the Wigan Evening Post. He continued, “The problem wasn’t on our side of the agreement – Atletico Madrid just felt he had to stay, and they were proved to be right. Shortly afterwards, their two senior goalkeepers got injured, he got an opportunity and he quickly became a hero. And everyone has been able to see for themselves the true quality of David De Gea.”

De Gea has already tasted considerable Club and International success.

De Gea played a key role for Atletico Madrid and his National U-21 side, helping the club side to Europa League glory, and the Spanish side to the Euro U-21 league. He’s rated very highly by personnel all across Europe, and is expected to be the turing up as the Manchester United no.1 next season, amidst competition from Tomasz, Amos and Lindegaard. Martinez goes on to say that his meteoric rise in club football was not at all surprising. “We followed him for a long, long time, and we have always known how good he is. He has matured so much at such a young age, and the price tag Manchester United are talking about already looks to be a bargain.” He added.

In the end, though, De Gea turned out to be one with the Red Devil. While the Lactic’s boss still rues what would have turned out to be a masterstroke signing, David Gears up for one of the most toughest challenges in his young career, so far.

Edited by Staff Editor