"Manchester Is My Home" - David De Gea's Explains His Manchester United Journey

David de Gea has explained his Manchester United journey since he moved to the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

Sir Alex Ferguson only missed three of United's fixtures when he managed the team from 1986 to 2013.

Once was to attend his son's wedding and one was for his brother's wife's funeral.

The final time was to scout a young Spanish goalkeeper, who was in Atletico Madrid's ranks at the time.

It has been over a decade since De Gea signed for the Red Devils and he has became one of the leaders in the dressing room.

Often enough, he has been present for interviews after disappointing fixtures and spoken well about the improvements that needs to be made at the club in order to turn a corner.

However, he has not always been the most talkative figure since his move, with last season being his most vocal in his career to date.

David de Gea against Everton. (Alamy)

It coincides with his comfortability in the club and country, after being here for 11 years.

"Manchester is like my proper home now." The United goalkeeper told United Daily. "Even when I'm in Madrid for holiday or something, I'm missing my house here and my people here.

"It's great to be here, to be part of this club, to be part of the history of this club - it's a privilege."

The Spanish player experienced difficulties when he moved to England.

A new language was a major barrier to overcome, while there were also other hurdles that he needed to jump in order to maximise his performance on the pitch and find comfort in his new conditions.

"It was tough. I was very young, I came here with my family, with my mum and dad.

"My English was really bad at the beginning, it was really tough for me.

David de Gea in his debut Manchester United season. (Alamy)

"Everything was different, it was different than in Spain. Different people, big players here - veteran people and veteran players.

"Step by step, I was learning my English, talking more with the players and now I'm here, it's my home."

The shot-stopper had a rejuvenated campaign last season, where he was one of United's best players in a disappointing term for the club.

He won the club's Players' Player of the Year for his performances in net, and despite competition from Dean Henderson in the season prior, it now looks like the Englishman will be out on loan next season with promoted Nottingham Forest.

De Gea will need to show that he can adapt to the football that Erik ten Hag will implement, with the Dutchman placing importance on playing from the back in a calm and effective manner.