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28th April 2018
09:05pm BST

"I was nervous walking out that day. They have always been behind me but I did wonder that day. As it transpired, they were amazing. Everyone was singing my name. It was important for me."
De Gea had a rocky start to his United career, after being brought there by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011, but he has overcome the obstacles and transformed into one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. He highlighted two key moments in his journey to becoming the player he is today.
"It (the 3-3 draw against Chelsea) might have been the defining moment of my United career. From there, it got better and better. Juan is still p***** off about that one," De Gea said.
He is of course referring to the Premier League clash in 2011/12, during which he pulled off an incredible save from a Juan Mata free kick, back when Mata still played for Chelsea.
The other moment was off the pitch, but equally as significant.
"The second big moment was midway through my second season. I had been under pressure after a game at Spurs, where Gary Neville criticised me. "I made a mistake late on but I'd made a hatful of brilliant saves that day. It doesn't bother me. Neville was right about the error. It was snowing and I misjudged a cross. "Not long after, we were playing at Real Madrid. Ferguson brought me into the press conference in the Bernabeu. He told everyone, the British media, the Spanish media, that I had a special talent. "I remember what he said exactly. He compared me to a toddler taking their first steps forward. You wobble, get up, wobble, get up again and then you walk. "Ferguson ended that press conference saying, "The boy is walking now". Ferguson sat next to me and told the world how much he believed in me. I felt emboldened. Ferguson was very patient with me. He did not shout and was never too harsh. He knew I needed time and trust."
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