Source: Daily_Mail
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez rues missing out on David De Gea
ShareWigan boss Roberto Martinez has revealed how he almost signed David De Gea for nothing.[LNB]The Spanish starlet flew in for a medical on Monday ahead of a ?17.8million move to Manchester United.[LNB]The 20-year-old wrote on his official Twitter account: 'I have been invited by Man U to see the club and the city with my family and to be given an offer.'[LNB] Top secret: It's a cloak and dagger operation at the Bridgewater Hospital for the arrival of De Gea ahead of his United medical as security guards (above) hold up a child's blanket to hide him from prying eyes...[LNB] Er.. what a giveaway: but in a botched operation the blanket only covers the steps from the car and the goalkeeper's move is out of the bag[LNB]De Gea has been identified by manager Sir Alex Ferguson as the long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar, who retired at the end of the season.[LNB]And Martinez admits he's still rues the day the man he believes will become the best goalkeeper in the world slipped through his fingers.[LNB]Wigan agreed a loan deal with Atletico Madrid for De Gea two years ago - only for an 11th-hour change of mind by the Atletico management.[LNB]'It's true, we had David signed on aloan deal, but unfortunately on the last day of the transfer window everything fell through,' Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post.[LNB] 'The problem wasn't on our side of the agreement - Atletico Madrid just felt he had to stay, and they were proved to be right.[LNB] 'Shortly afterwards, their two senior goalkeepers got injured, he got an opportunity and he quickly became a hero. And everyone has been able to see for themselves the true quality of David De Gea.'[LNB] Success: David De Gea (right) helped Spain win the Under 21 European Championship[LNB] [LNB]De Gea played a key role as Atletico won the Europa League and European Super Cup and he helped Spain win the Under 21 European Championship.[LNB] And the Wigan boss is not surprised by meteoric rise.[LNB] 'We followed him for a long, long time, and we have always known how good he is,' Martinez added.[LNB] 'He has matured so much at such a young age, and the price tag Manchester United are talking about already looks to be a bargain.' [LNB] Meanwhile, Steven Caldwell has not given up hope of staying with Latics despite being released at the end of last season.[LNB] The 30-year-old defender joined on a 12-month deal last summer but found opportunities hard to come by when his brother Gary regained full fitness after double-hip surgery.[LNB] 'I'm basically a free agent as I don't know what's going to happen with Wigan,' Caldwell said.[LNB] 'I was under the impression there was the possibility of staying for another year if I wanted.[LNB] 'But no matter what happens, I most definitely enjoyed the opportunity I had there.'[LNB] De Gea will handle it: New Manchester United keeper will be a big star, says ReinaSir Alex wants me! Izaguirre claims United are to discuss move with CelticUnited join race to sign Arsenal and Chelsea target Thiago from BarcelonaAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Edwin Van Der Sar, Roberto Martinez Places: Spain
