Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea received a heartfelt tribute during his first visit to Old Trafford since leaving the club in 2023. Now representing Fiorentina, the Spaniard was greeted with a standing ovation in recognition of his distinguished 12-year service at United .
Prior to kick-off in the pre-season friendly, United captain Bruno Fernandes presented de Gea with a framed commemorative photograph celebrating his tenure at the club—an honour that delayed the opening whistle and set a deeply emotional tone for the match .
Throughout the game, fans continued to demonstrate their respect, applauding de Gea every time he touched the ball . The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with de Gea substituted before the decisive penalty shootout—a moment that elicited yet another round of applause as he exited the field .
Reflecting on the occasion, de Gea described his return as “very special” and emphasized there were no hard feelings about the manner of his departure. He acknowledged contemplating retirement during his year away from the game, before ultimately joining Fiorentina—an opportunity he now embraces with gratitude .
Manchester United supporters will remember de Gea not just for his longevity—545 appearances across all competitions, placing him among the club’s most-capped players—but also for his trophy-laden legacy, including victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and two League Cups .
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