Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has expressed his pride to have played so many games for the Reds ahead of his impending 500th appearance for the club.
De Gea is set to reach the milestone at Old Trafford this Sunday, when Erik ten Hag's side welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford. The Magpies have been in fine form so far this season, as they find themselves sixth in the Premier League, just one point behind United.
The Spanish goalkeeper will play a vital role in helping his team claim all three points against Eddie Howe's side. De Gea will be looking to try and keep his third clean sheet in the league, after successful efforts against Leicester and Southampton earlier in the season.
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De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid back in June 2011, and will become only the 11th player in club history to reach the milestone during the Newcastle match on Sunday. The 31-year-old, who will be presented with an engraved plate ahead of kick-off, made his feelings clear on just how much the occasion will mean to him.
He told the club's media : “I think it’s something crazy. To play 500 games for this club is very special for me, of course, but probably I will realise more when I stop playing football, when I retire and then look back and say ‘OK, I played more than 500 games for a massive club like United.’
“I’m super proud and it’s amazing, to be honest. Just to be part of this club is massive and it’s so difficult to get here, so it’s a dream to be here and already play as much as I’ve played. It’s unbelievable.”
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