Manchester United's David de Gea has explained his decision to create an esports team in Madrid.
Rebels Gaming was launched by the United shot-stopper last November and is the founder and president of the organisation. Based at a 'state-of-the-art complex' in the Spanish capital, players are able to train, relax and compete at the site.
De Gea's team will be competing in three different esports: League of Legends, Rainbow Six Siege and Valorant.
Speaking to United's magazine, Inside United, De Gea explained his decision to set up the team. "A year and a half [ago] I was talking with Jose, one of the guys I trust and work with," the Spaniard explained.
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"He knows I am in love with video games, so we were talking about making our own club. So that’s how it started. We started step by step, we made Rebels, so we are really proud."
De Gea does not take a back seat role with Rebels. Despite his successful football career, United's 'keeper helps motivate and help his e-sports players.
He added: "I am trying to show them that this is my experience in football. There are some words there, we put them there to show to the players – be calm, take things calmly.
"Of course, the pressure is always there. It doesn’t matter if it’s a video game or if it’s football – if you are competing, the pressure is always there. So, you have to deal with the pressure and always be very strong in the mind.
"We want to make a proper brand, where people like the brand, and of course try to put the teams in Europe to compete with the best teams," De Gea answered when asked about his goals for Rebels. "And then we like the entertainment part of this business as well.
"So, we are building some entertainment for the people, the fans, to enjoy. But we will try to be one of the best teams in Europe as well."
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