David de Gea, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, has joined Fiorentina after a year-long hiatus from football following his release from United. Despite receiving numerous offers, De Gea chose to take a sabbatical to find the right opportunity and reevaluate his future, admitting that motivation was challenging after 12 years at a top club. He expressed pride in joining Fiorentina, highlighting the club's history and passionate fans as key factors in his decision. De Gea emphasized that he never considered retirement and remained dedicated to training during his time away from competitive play. His successful negotiations with Fiorentina were facilitated by a mutual desire from both sides, marking an exciting new chapter in his career. De Gea's impressive tenure at Manchester United included 545 appearances and numerous accolades, solidifying his status as one of the top goalkeepers in Premier League history.