Man United icon David De Gea issues emotional response after nightmare debut following exit

Manchester United legend David de Gea has issued an emotional message after making his return to competitive action with Fiorentina on Thursday night.

The Spaniard left Old Trafford at the end of his contract last summer after over a decade in Manchester. De Gea made a club record 545 appearances for a goalkeeper in United colours, winning five major trophies since joining in 2011.

But after a difficult 2022/23 season in which he made several high-profile errors, the United icon departed with manager Erik ten Hag choosing to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan as his replacement. The Spanish shot-stopper endured a frustrating period after leaving United, having failed to find a new club until he joined Italian Serie A side Florentina this summer.

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However, De Gea's debut for his new club did not go to plan against Hungarian club Puskas Akademia. The former United goalkeeper conceded three goals in a 3-3 draw during the first leg of Fiorentina's Europa Conference League play-off tie.

De Gea conceded two first-half goals before the Italian club roared back to take a 3-2 lead. Akademia though were not to be beaten and grabbed a late equaliser to take a draw back to the second leg in Hungary next week.

Despite the disappointing result, De Gea was pleased to make a return to competitive action after over a year. "What a feeling to be back, incredible but with lots of emotions and feelings," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter

"I want to thank my family, friends and supporters of Fiorentina for the reception and look forward to the