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By ABDI RASHID, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 02: 11 AEST, 10 August 2025 | Updated: 02: 11 AEST, 10 August 2025 17 View comments Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was honoured with a special presentation after making his return to Old Trafford with Fiorentina on Saturday. The goalkeeper made his first appearance at the club since his 2023 departure, with the match ending 1-1 before being decided by a penalty shootout. De Gea spent 12 years at the club and made 545 appearances for the club across all competitions. During his time at United he won the Premier League, the FA Cup and two League Cups. He made many memorable saves even during difficult times for the club. Ahead of kick-off against Fiorentina, captain Bruno Fernandes stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch to present his close friend and former teammate with a framed photograph, as the United squad stood behind them applauding. David de Gea was honoured with a special presentation after making his return to Man United Bruno Fernandes stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch to present his close friend and former teammate with a framed photograph The Spaniard spent 12 years at United and made 545 appearances for the club in total De Gea was part of the United squad that won the Premier League title in the 2012-13 season On the eve of the friendly, the Portuguese midfielder had joked that he was hoping to score against his former team-mate. Fernandes said: 'I hope I score some goals against you! ' De Gea responded by saying: 'Hello, as you know, I'm coming home. For sure, it's going to be a special game for me. 'Bruno, you know, you cannot score against me, and if you score, it's because I let you score so people keep singing your name! 'But honestly I can't wait to see you my friend. I can't wait to see you all at Old Trafford, so I'll be there on Saturday, see you soon! ' De Gea started his career at Atletico Madrid, with whom he won the Europa League in the 2009-10 season. Since joining Fiorentina he has played 42 times for the Italian club. De Gea has been capped by Spain on 45 occasions but hasn't been called up by his country since 2021.
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