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Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea admitted that he almost quit Manchester United to return to Spain after a drop in form.
The 23-year old shot stopper arrived in the summer of 2011 to replace Edwin van der Sar, but had a torrid debut season, making a number of errors that led to United conceding goals.
The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper was bought for £17.8m and the heavy price tag and playing for a big club meant that he was under a lot of pressure to perform.
He was also dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson during his first season for Anders Lindegaard. But over the past few seasons, he has firmly established himself as the No.1 choice between the sticks.
I almost went back to Spain: De Gea
When asked if he had ever considered going back to his home country, he said: “Sometimes. It was difficult when you get a lot of criticism like I did.
“But I kept strong and I always tried to remain positive. I loved training. It was a great pleasure so I just did my work and worked through it.
“Those early days were difficult for me and my family. But when you play for a big club like Manchester United it is normal when you don't play well.
Criticism made me stronger: De Gea
He also spoke about how the criticism helped him become a better footballer.
“Yes, I am glad it happened in some ways because the criticism makes you stronger. Goalkeeper is a difficult position and you make mistakes. It is normal. But you have to be strong in your mind to get through it all and get better.
“I think I am playing the best football of my career. I have been here for three years and in the beginning it was difficult. Now I am ready for everything.
“I think that experience at the start at United has helped me be the player and man I am now. When you have bad moments you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it and I believe I have become stronger. I am a much better goalkeeper now.”
How De Gea prepared for the Everton game
The Spanish goalkeeper talked about how he managed to save Leighton Baines’ penalty – the Everton full back had never missed in the Premier League prior to De Gea’s save at Old Trafford.
“I had watched Everton penalties before the game and I decided to go to my right and I got lucky. I heard it was the first one he has missed. So I am happy about that. Luke [Shaw] was very pleased - he thanked me.”
“It was probably one of my best performances for Manchester United. I was really happy about that.”
