Hero de Gea admits he nearly quit Man United two years ago
David de Gea has admitted that he nearly quit Manchester United two years ago.
The Spaniard was in stunning form against Everton on Sunday, producing several world-class saves to ensure his club hung on to win 2-1.
It could have been someone else in goal, however, if de Gea he had let criticism of him in his early days at United get to him.
Despite taking heavy flak for several high-profile errors after moving to England from Atletico Madrid in 2011, the 23-year-old believes everything he's been through has made him a better player.
Staying positive
When asked if he thought about leaving United at the end of his first season, the 23-year-old said: "Sometimes. It's difficult when you get a lot of criticism like I did. But I kept strong and I always tried to remain positive.
"Those early days were difficult for me and my family. But when you play for a big club like Manchester United (being criticised) is normal when you don't play well."
"What happened at the start 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 much better now."
Confident
On Sunday, de Gea managed two acrobatic stops to deny Leon Osman and Bryan Oviedo towards the end of the match as well as ending Leighton Baines' 100 per cent penalty record with a save just before half-time.
The Madrid native is pleased with his form, attributing it to working with Frans Hoek, United's new goalkeeping coach brought in by manager Louis van Gaal.
De Gea said: "It was probably one of my best performances for Manchester United. I was really happy about that. Games like that helps your confidence grow.
"Frans Hoek has helped me a lot. We are working on trying to start moves from the goalkeeper.
"I think I'm playing the best football of my career. Now I'm ready for everything."
Source: PA Sport
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