‘Manchester United is a big step forward as it is one of the best teams in the world’ – new signing David de Gea

David De Gea, Atletico de Madrid (Getty Images)

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David de Gea has admitted that moving to Manchester United is an important step in his career as it will enable him to improve as a player and be successful with one of the world’s biggest clubs.

De Gea signed a five-year deal after the clubs agreed a fee of £17.8 million, with the young Spaniard replacing Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar in goal as United.

The 20-year-old acknowledges the enormity of filling the No.1 jersey at one of the biggest teams in the world and believes that it was the right move for his career, though he admits adapting to the Premier League will be a challenge.

“Manchester United is a big step forward for me as it is one of the best teams in the world, which was the main reason behind my departure from Atletico Madrid,” De Gea told reporters.

“For my characteristics it will be very good for me and now I hope to adapt quickly because it is a different league.

“For a footballer it is important to continue to grow. Manchester is one of the world’s best clubs and to play there it is an important step in my career to be successful.

“There have been many rumours in the last few months, but the fact is that last week Manchester issued an invitation to visit its facilities and I decided to accept it, go with my family, study the offer and then took the decision.”

He added: “Manchester has very good facilities. It is one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to continue training there to keep on growing as a player and person, It is the perfect club for that.”

Asked whether he was nervous about coming under criticism, as previous Manchester United goalkeeping purchases have in recent years, the new signing replied: “No, because the criticism is coming when someone falls in England, Spain or any country.

You should try to do you best, with confidence and desire to do well.

“I will have to miss as little as possible to avoid being criticised. But if there are critics, I will have to put up with them and keep on going. It is normal to criticise the players. “

He also insisted that after playing regularly in La Liga that he would be ready for the pressure that comes with being a big signing in England.

“Yes, because otherwise I would not have accepted this change,” he said.

“I’ve been playing many matches in the First Division so, this is not new for me.”

The shot-stopper revealed that he was offered an extension to his contract at his former club back in October, but opted not to make a decision until after the successful Under-21 European Championships.

“I will always have Atletico in my heart. I am proud to have been able to be part of this club, which will always be a big one,” De Gea continued.

“Atletico offered me a contract extension in October and I said that I was not going to study it until the end of European Championship. I’ve thought a lot about it with my family and I decided to go to United.

“I want to thank the fans who loved me. They always took good care of me and I hope we meet them in the future.”

Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Pérez Caminero also said his farewells to the young Spaniard and wished him every success with his new club.

“We are here to say goodbye to a player from our home, a player who in just a season and half and has managed to grow and position himself among the majors, becoming one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world,” Caminero told reporters.

“We are aware that special players, like De Gea, are capable of taking off as soon as they feel the need for new experiences and new challenges to grow as professionals.

“David, on behalf of the club, we acknowledge the dedication and professionalism with which you served on these years since you were a young player. For all of us it has been proud to have you in Atletico Madrid.

“Now we wish you luck in your new career in the Premiership and we remind you that Atletico Madrid will always be your home, if one day you decide to return.”