Steven Gerrard admitted he “hated” David de Gea – and now wants to sign ex-Man Utd star

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq are interested in signing ex-Manchester United star David de Gea, a player their manager Steven Gerrard previously said he ‘hated’

Football Digest: Reaction to David de Gea leaving Man Utd

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, who are currently managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

De Gea remains without a club, having been released by United in July after spending 12 years at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have since replaced him with Andre Onana, spending £47million to sign the Cameroon international from Inter Milan.

Now, according to a report from the Sun, De Gea could become the latest big name star to make the move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq said to be ‘leading the chase’ for his services. Al-Ettifaq signed a number of European stars over the summer, including Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembele, following Gerrard’s appointment as manager.

And it is not a surprise that Gerrard is keen on signing De Gea, having previously hailed his shot-stopping ability. Back in 2018, he told BT Sport: “Well I think the biggest compliment I can pay him is I hate him.

“So do all Liverpool fans. He makes difficult shots look really easy, which is what world-class keepers do. I don’t really go off the stats or the graphs, I go off my eyes. You can look at them and change them and twist them whatever way you want. He probably is the best keeper in the world at this present time.”

De Gea played over 500 games for United after joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011, helping them win the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and two League Cups. Following his departure, De Gea shared an emotional to United fans, stating that it was “the right time to undertake a new challenge”. He wrote: “I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years.

Al-Ettifaq are interested in signing David de Gea(Getty Images)

“We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.

“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together. Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all.”

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