According to The Athletic, 33-year-old former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea contemplated retirement due to mistreatment from Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.
The publication reports that de Gea considered ending his professional career right after leaving Manchester in the summer of 2023 because of his negative experiences with the Dutch manager. It’s noted that de Gea also decided to leave Manchester United due to strained relationship with Ten Hag.
Additionally, the goalkeeper felt uncomfortable working with the former sporting director of the Red Devils, John Murtough.
De Gea played for Manchester United for twelve years, making 545 appearances while conceding 590 goals and keeping 190 clean sheets. Since leaving the English club in the summer of 2023, he remains a free agent.
Various sources have reported that de Gea is in talks with Saudi clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab.
According to The Guardian, the Spanish goalkeeper may retire from professional football if he does not receive an offer to be a starting player for a top European club.