Juan Mata believes David De Gea has the personality to recover from the dramatic collapse of his move to Real Madrid, and insists Manchester United fans will support the goalkeeper when he returns to first-team action.
De Gea’s long-planned move fell through on Tuesday, with both clubs subsequently releasing statements blaming each other for delays which led to the paperwork not being filed in time to beat Monday’s Spanish transfer deadline.
The 24-year-old, who arrived in Madrid on Wednesday morning to prepare for Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia, has been warned by the national coach Vicente del Bosque that he must return to domestic action with United if he is to secure his place in Spain’s squad. He has yet to make an appearance for Louis van Gaal’s side this season.
Asked how his club and international team-mate was faring, Mata said: “He seems the same as ever to me. He’s calm, relaxed. He has a naturally calm personality. These have been difficult days but he is OK.
“It is good for him to be here with the national team too. I think his personality will help. He is always calm. Even in moments of maximum pressure or stress he still plays well. His personality will help him on and off the pitch.
“David is professional and he always will be. His desire and professionalism will remain intact. Any team in the world would be better off with him in it. The fans always support the team, all of us, and they will support him.
“He is a friend and he is very professional. I wish him the best and I am sure he will be fine. He will manage the situation.”
