Manchester United star Juan Mata has revealed that he spoke to David De Gea daily during his Real Madrid transfer saga, reports EFE [via Daily Express].
The 24-year-old was set to move to the Bernabeu before his deal fell apart. The two clubs handed in the necessary paperwork late, meaning that the transfer wasn’t completed before the Spanish deadline [BBC]. Since then, the Red Devils have blamed their Spanish counterparts for the situation [Man Utd official site], and the La Liga outfit have done the same in return [Real official site].
Mata doesn’t think that his fellow Spanish national team player will be affected by the furore.
“I’ve talked with him a lot. There have been hectic and stressful days but he is such a quiet, centred person, nothing changes,” said Mata.
“The last two years David has been the best player in our team. His saves have earned us a lot of points. I have no doubt this will be a very good year too.
“I don’t think there’ll be a problem with the club, the coach or the fans. That’s what I perceive. The fans love him very much, he’s highly regarded by the club and the coach. I think it will be the same. Herrera and I will continue saving on petrol!”
The former Atletico Madrid man now looks set to return to manager Louis van Gaal’s side when they play Liverpool on Saturday [Independent]. Sergio Romero will not be looking forward to this, having played in every one of the team’s six matches to date this campaign. The Argentina international will likely make way for the man who was Player of the Season for the last two years.
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Mata’s talks may have even helped to keep the goalkeeper at Old Trafford past next summer.
De Gea’s current contract ends then, but he could now sign a new deal with the club [Fichajes via Metro]. This is so that he can guarantee game time ahead of Euro 2016.