Video: De Gea finally given Old Trafford farewell 12 months after joining Fiorentina – Football Italia

Fiorentina goalkeeper David De Gea was finally given an Old Trafford farewell two years after he left Manchester United and 12 months after he joined Fiorentina, ahead of the friendly between the two sides in England on Saturday. 

Fiorentina and Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon, which was followed up by a penalty shoot-out in front of the Stretford End. 

Prior to kick-off, though, De Gea was given a warm reception from United, who paid tribute to the Spaniard with a special on-pitch presentation in recognition of his 545 competitive matches in Manchester. 

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was invited onto the Old Trafford pitch to present his old friend and former colleague with a framed photograph while the United players stood and applauded behind them. 

Watch: Bruno Fernandes honours De Gea at Old Trafford

A final farewell for De Gea #mufc pic.twitter.com/AeXt16JgoT

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 9, 2025

Once a Red, always a Red ❤️

🧬 @D_DeGea pic.twitter.com/P6qRtzgdEP

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2025

De Gea, who took a year out of the game after being unceremoniously replaced by former Inter stopper Andre Onana two summers ago. 

The 34-year-old then joined Fiorentina on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, and has impressed so much with his performances in Serie A, that he has been handed a new contract extension that ties him to the club until the summer of 2028, at which stage he will be 37 years of age.