De Gea sets himself goal to become the best keeper in world
DAVID de Gea is back as United ‘s Euro No.1 – and has his eyes on becoming the best goalkeeper on the planet.
Twelve months ago De Gea was manager Jose Mourinho’s choice to kick-off the Europa League campaign against Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
He played two further matches against Fenerbahce in the back-toback home and away group ties.
But the Spaniard - coveted by Real Madrid - didn’t play again in the competition after November, with Mourinho sticking with Sergio Romero all the way to the final in Stockholm in May against Ajax.
That win sealed United’s return to the Champions League, and the Reds’ boss says it is now a matchby-match choice in terms of keeper.
De Gea has been in excellent form and starts against Basel, but was sitting out the Europa League final tough to take?
“You always want to play every game, but it was a manager decision so it was good because we won that competition,” said De Gea.
“We fight for the position to play and I think it is good for the group to keep working hard in training. But, of course, I always want to play.”
Has the competition from Argentine Romero helped De Gea?
“Yes. All three of us, Sergio, Joel (Pereira) and me train really hard to be the player who is on the pitch to play the games. I feel really strong, really confident.
“Everyone trains hard to be in the XI and that’s it.
“I always want to be the best. I try hard to improve every day, every training so I work really hard to be
the best keeper in the world. I don’t know who is best at the moment but this is what I want, to be the best.”
The Champions League platform will give the 26-year-old the stage again to put his case to be the world’s No.1.
“It’s good to be back in Champions League. It’s almost two years without a Champions League game at Old Trafford. We have got a high level of motivation and so we want to show that on the pitch especially with the fans,” he said. “It’s another step to play at the highest level of Champions League with the best teams in Europe. We are really motivated. To win the Champions League we know is really difficult but I think team is now is really good.
“It was hard to watch Champions League games on TV. A club like United not to be in those games it was hard but now we are back.”