Even though he took a year off to join Fiorentina, David De Gea insists retirement was never an option.

After Manchester United released De Gea at the end of the 2022–23 season, he was free to pursue other opportunities for a year until signing with the Serie A team last week.

After more than a decade with United, during which he made 545 appearances, the Spanish goalkeeper will now pursue a career in Italy.

Representing Florence in the Viola jersey is an honor. “I am very grateful,” De Gea stated in Italian during a press conference.

I went back to Madrid after a year in Manchester. Keeping my level up was important to me. Nothing halted me. Training on your own is challenging.My residence is in Manchester. My focus is entirely on that. I chose to take a sabbatical since I couldn’t find the motivation to analyze offers.

Training on my own persisted. I knew I had to give it my all when Fiorentina showed up.

Their history is rich and they have devoted followers. Making the choice was simple. I had no desire to retire.

I worked out every day, even more so than before, and now I feel great. Now I’m at a decent level.

Maybe I’ll need a little time in the beginning games, but I’ve been playing for a long time; just put me in goal.

Last Friday, De Gea joined Fiorentina. Next weekend, he might play away at Parma in his Serie A debut.

Last year, Fiorentina made it into the UEFA Europa Conference League after finishing in eighth place in Serie A.