De Gea: United are so excited to be back in Europe after the TORTURE of watching it on TV last season
DAVID DE GEA has admitted it was torture for Manchester United’s players watching the Champions League from the outside.
United make their return to the tournament tonight against FC Basel, 644 days after their last involvement in European football’s elite club competition. The Reds won the Europa League last season to seal their return to the Champions League, having had to sit it out twice in the last three years. And De Gea revealed how Jose Mourinho’s players found it tough watching it on TV last term, as they prepared for Thursday nights in the Europa League. “It was hard to watch those games on TV,” admitted De Gea. “For a club like Manchester Unitred not to be in those games was hard. “But now we’re back and we’re motivated to win Champions League games and to bring the Champions League back to Old Trafford for the fans. “To do that we need to play our best football. It’s good to be back, especially at Old Trafford. “It’s almost two years without a Champions League game at home. “We have a high level of motivation and we want to show that on the pitch. “It’s another step for us to play at the highest level, in the Champions League, with the best teams in Europe. “To win this tournament we know is really difficult, but I think the team we have now is really good.
“There are strong teams in England and really strong teams in Spain.
“It’s true that in England we never have a break, and that December and January are tough moments for English teams.
“We have many games and it’s difficult to be ready for the Champions League games. But the level is more or less the same.
“Spanish teams are in a good moment but Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world.”
The keeper was forced to watch United’s triumphant Europa League run from the bench last season, as Mourinho placed his faith in No.2 Sergio Romero.
But Mourinho has confirmed De Gea will start tonight and remain his first choice for the Champions League campaign, on the back of his fine start to the season.
De Gea made an outstanding save from Jese Rodriguez in United’s 2-2 draw at Stoke on Saturday and revealed he wants to be seen as the world’s best keeper.
“I always want to be the best,” said De Gea. “I try hard to improve every day in training, so I work really hard to be the best keeper in the world.
“I don’t know who the best is at the moment, but this is what I want – to be the best.
“I don’t know if it (the save from Jese) was the best I’ve ever made. I’ve made great saves all my career, but it was a good one.”
Phil Jones and Eric Bailly, United’s first-choice central defensive pairing, are suspended, meaning Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof will play in front of De Gea.
Neither defender has played for United since the 2-1 Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid on August 8, but De Gea has confidence in both.
“I feel really good about all of my defenders,” he added.
“If someone cannot play or it’s the decision of the manager, I feel good with anyone.”