David De Gea has dedicated an emotional media post to his former Spain team-mate Jordi Alba after he confirmed his retirement from professional football
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has reacted to fellow Spaniard Jordi Alba announcing his retirement. Earlier this week, the ex-Barcelona left-back confirmed his decision to stop playing professional football at the end of the current MLS season.
Alba was part of an outstanding Barcelona team that included Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi with the 36-year-old still playing alongside the latter duo at Inter Miami. In his final outing before confirming such a major career decision, Alba netted twice in a 4-1 victory over New England with Messi providing one of the assists.
Despite still quite clearly being able to compete at the highest level, Alba has taken the decision to retire later this month, as confirmed in a social media post.
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“The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.
“I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion to this season. I do so with complete conviction, with peace, and with happiness.”
The comments on the post are filled with numerous big names sending well-wishes, though De Gea opted for a dedicated Instagram post to his former international team-mate.
Alongside images of the two while representing Spain, he showed his true character with a classy message, writing: “Jordi, Thanks for everything. You always gave 100% on and off the field, with that joy and good humor that characterizes you…
“Thank you for being so real, for your dedication and for your friendship. You are great on and off the field. I love you my friend [red heart emoji].”
De Gea has been plying his trade with Italian outfit Fiorentina for the past 14 months and has made a strong impression, though it’s been a challenging beginning to the 2025/26 campaign.
The Florence-based club are still searching for their first Serie A victory, with their sole wins arriving in Conference League competition.
Saturday’s loss to Roma sparked De Gea to reach out to the fanbase, with Fiorentina precariously positioned just above the drop zone on goal difference alone. Following his departure, the goalkeeping situation has remained highly volatile at United.
Andre Onana arrived as his successor from Inter, yet has endured considerable difficulties, leading to the summer decision to loan him out to Trabzonspor following Senne Lammens’ deadline day arrival from Royal Antwerp.
Altay Bayindir held the number one spot under Ruben Amorim for several weeks before Lammens was handed his bow against Sunderland last Saturday.
The 23-year-old appeared confident between the posts and managed to secure United’s maiden clean sheet of the campaign.
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