If you are a football fanatic or even mildly interested in football or as the Americans would call it, soccer, chances are you have probably heard of this particular Spaniard. David de Gea Quintana is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as goalkeeper for the premier league club Manchester United.
He also plays in his home country’s football team, the Spain National Team. During the mid-2010s he was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Here is a list of more interesting facts about the footballer you need to know!
1. He Was a Child Star Player
David at the UEFA Euroipean under 21 by henrikalexandersen- Wikimnedia Commons
David de Gea’s illustrious football career began way early in his pre-teens at the age of 13. The Spanish player played for Atletico Madrid youth side where he proved to be a very talented and skillful goalkeeper at such a young age.
Soon he was scouted by the Atletico Madrid scout Diego Diaz to play for the club. His talent and relentless determination paved his way up to the youth team earning himself his first contract at the age of seventeen. He spent that season playing Atletico Madrid B in the second division Spanish League.
2.David de Gea Achieved a Childhood Dream of Playing in The World Cup
World cup trophy by Ank Kumar – Wikimedia Commons
In 2009, during the world cup, the main keep Roberto was injured playing. This opened up an opportunity for David de Gea to make his La Liga, debut alongside major side Real Zargoza. Playing at the Vincente Calderon Stadium was what he termed as a childhood dream come true.
Making it more so memorable, he ended up giving away a penalty and making a few important saves in that match that ultimately won them the game.
3. David Has Very Unique Footwork Due to Indoor Soccer
David de Gea at UEFA EURO qualifiers by Ronaldhino1 – Wikimedia Commons
Futsal is an indoor soccer game that slightly varies from mainstream soccer as it is played indoors and with a smaller group of people and goalkeeper. It is a modified soccer form played with five players per side on a smaller, typically, indoor, pitch.
David de Gea played Futsal till the age of fourteen and due to this fact he is said to have developed a very unique style of playing that makes him stand out from other goalkeepers. Such talent has earned him the nickname the “sweeper-keeper’’.
4. He has Followed in His Father’s Footsteps
The Spaniard comes from a quiet wealthy background since his father Jose de Gea was said to be one of the first ever keepers to be signed to a football club, Getafe during its first days. He was a famous well known keeper for his saves.
Both father and son have a keen interest in goal keeping that runs in the family. David is also his father’s only son. His mother is a house wife and they have a healthy relationship.
5. He is a Very High Valued Player in Terms of Market Value
With a market value of 55million dollars, the Spanish footballer is among the highest net worth players in the he is world. He is ranked number seven among all players playing as a goalkeeper.
Most of his massive wealth has been amassed due to his football career playing for major league clubs alongside endorsement deals with brands like Pepsi Max, EA Sports and Adidas.
6. David de Gea’s Girlfriend is Older Than Him
Spanish actress, singer and television presenter Edurne Garcia Almagro is David’s long term girlfriend since 2010. The media personality is actually thirty-two years old which is five years older than the Spanish football team goalkeeper.
They are not yet married which is mostly attributed to the keeper’s busy lifestyle away from home. The couple met when he was only 19 and have since been together, many speculate they do not intend on marriage nor having children. Most of his fans however assume that the couple are married.
7. Started His Career as a Striker
Another little known fact about the Spanish footballer is that he started off as a striker with Atletico Madrid becoming one of the top scorers. He topped the scoring charts and was one of the prolific strikers until the age of 14.
That explains why he is so good at beating strikers in his own box. Atletico had probably hoped to get a striker but signed a goal keeper instead.
8. David de Gea has Hyperopia
The Spanish National Team goal keeper suffers from a condition called Hyperopia meaning he is far sighted. He is able to see distant things more clearly than most people but has a problem viewing things that are closer.
This condition has however not affected the player’s ability to perform during a match as he is usually in contact lenses. Off the pitch, the star uses glasses to cover up his problem.
9. Sergio Aguero is His Best Friend
Sergio Aguero by Кирилл Венедиктов – Wikimedia Commons
What is fascinating about this friendship is the rivalry between the two teams both players play for. Sergio is signed to Manchester City while De Gea is signed to Manchester United. In his team he is also known to be close to Juan Mata and ex united player Ander Herrera at Old Trafford.
The Argentinian has struck a bond with David de Gea ever since their days together at Atletico Madrid. Fast forward, the bitter rivalry between the Manchester clubs has done little to tarnish their friendship.
10. His Music Taste
David De Gea is a calm personality on and off pitch. However, not many are aware that the Spaniard is a big fan of heavy metal genre- a kind of music that hardly goes with his calm personality. He is apparently a big fan of Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold where he has been sighted at their concerts whenever they are in town.
For that matter, De Gea’s girlfriend Edurne Garcia is also a famous singer who has represented Spain at an international level. This among many other facts are what endear the Spaniard footballer to his massive fan base. Some of this quirks are what we love about him.
Source: discoverwalks.com
