David de Gea targets Champions League success at Manchester United

30 June 2011 08:11
ShareManchester United new boy David de Gea does not believe the Red Devils should be fazed by the prospect of trying to win the Champions League.[LNB]Such was the manner of United's Wembley defeat by Barcelona last month that most of the club's supporters were left wondering exactly when it was realistic for Sir Alex Ferguson's squad to conquer Europe once more.[LNB] Aiming high: David de Gea (left) believes Man United can win the Champions League[LNB]The arrivals of De Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones do not appear to be the answer on their own, even at a combined cost in excess of ?50million, mainly due to the retirements of Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes.[LNB]However, De Gea is convinced United should continue to aim high.[LNB]'Aiming to win the Champions League is realistic,' De Gea told MUTV. 'That is what we're going to do.'[LNB] Big gloves to fill: De Gea replaces the retiring Edwin van der Sar[LNB]Before that, the 20-year-old accepts he is heading for a fairly steep learning curve.[LNB]Although he has been widely acclaimed as one of the most promising young keepers in Europe, De Gea has been a senior professional for only two years and has no experience of life in England, either from a professional or personal standpoint.[LNB]Considering who he has been bought to replace, he could be forgiven a few nerves.[LNB] But after agreeing a five-year contract, De Gea spoke confidently about his hopes for the future.[LNB] 'Excited': De Gea is looking forward to meeting his new team-mates[LNB]'I am excited about getting started training and meeting my future team-mates,' he said.[LNB]'Edwin has been the best goalkeeper in the world whilst here at United.[LNB]I hope to emulate him and spend a great number of years here. Hopefully I will equal or even surpass the performance and contribution he made to the club.[LNB]'There are differences between the two (leagues).[LNB] Looking forward: De Gea at his farewell press conference in Madrid[LNB] Boyhood club: De Gea joined Atletico aged 12[LNB]'The Premier League is known to be a more physical style of play.[LNB]'There are a lot of high balls and a lot of play in the air but I hope to adapt fairly quickly and with my own style hope to contribute to it being an all-round success.'[LNB]After speaking to MUTV, De Gea flew back to Madrid for a press conference to say goodbye to Atletico, he was overcome by emotion as he tried to explain his reasons for leaving.[LNB]The Spain Under 21 goalkeeper broke down in floods of tears as he bade farewell to his boyhood club, with whom he won the Europa League in 2010, beating Fulham in the final.[LNB]De Gea joined the club as a 12-year-old back in 2003. He made his debut in 2009, aged just18, quickly establishing himself as their No 1 and making 57 appearances before his switch to Old Trafford this week. [LNB]De Gea's transfer seems certain to signal the departure of Tomasz Kuszczak but the search for further reinforcements will continue, with a move for Samir Nasri now anticipated as hopes to capture Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and Alexis Sanchez start to recede.[LNB] Tearful goodbye: De Gea struggles to control his emotions as he bids farewell to Atletico[LNB]  De Gea in tears as new Manchester United keeper says farewell to Atletico MadridDe Gea 'privileged' to be a Manchester United player after keeper signs five-year dealClub-by-club guide to all the Barclays Premier League summer transfersAll the latest Man United news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ashley Young, Luka Modric, Wesley Sneijder, Edwin Van Der Sar Places: Madrid, Barcelona, Spain, United Kingdom, Europe

Source: Daily_Mail