De Gea denies sex charge

It’s all lies, says Spanish goalkeeper

ILE DE RE, FRANCE: Spain goalkeeper David de Gea has denied alleged involvement in a case of underage sex dating from 2012.

“This is all lies and nothing else,” the 25-year-old Manchester United goalkeeper said yesterday at Spain’s training camp on the Ile de Re off the western coast of France.

Spanish websites eldiario and El Confidencial alleged De Gea might have been involved in sexual activity with underage prostitutes in a Madrid hotel while playing for the Spain U- 21 team in 2012, together with Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain, 23, and Real Madrid midfielder Isco, 24.

“I am really surprised at this news... I have the support of my teammates. I have left this affair in the hands of my lawyers,” De Gea said yesterday.

The keeper – who was poised to play in holders Spain’s Euro 2016 opener on Monday against the Czech Republic in Toulouse – denied the possibility that he might have to drop out of the Spain squad because of the allegations.

“This kind of thing just strength- ens my desire to play for Spain... I am a very calm person and something that is not true is not going to change that.”

Earlier yesterday, Spain’s veteran striker Aduriz said: “I see De Gea very

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calm. He has our total support.”

Madrid paper El Mundo expressed doubts De Gea, Muniain and Isco would be arrested or charged, but eldiario and El Confidencial suggested police might speak to them about the alleged incident.

Isco, 24, was in the preliminary squad of 25 players announced by Spain manager Vicente del Bosque but was left out of the final squad of 23 for the Euros. – ANA-dpa

PICTURE: EPA French DJ David Guetta performs on the main stage in the Uefa Euro 2016 fan zone at Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower as part of the Euro 2016 pre-opening show in Paris.