David de Gea: Manchester United star admits failed summer move 'helped him mature and grow'

Manchester United star David de Gea has opened up about his failed move to Real Madrid and claimed that the "tough" times he faced helped him "mature and grow". The goalkeeper was a constantly linked with a move to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

The Spain international's move to join the 10-time European champions collapsed due to some delayed paperwork on deadline day. The deal did not take shape and just days after that, he signed a new deal with the Red Devils.

De Gea was dropped from the starting lineup by manager Louis van Gaal. After extending his contract at Old Trafford, the former Atletico Madrid stopper started in all competitions. The 24-year-old went on to hail his teammates for their support after his move to join the Spanish capital club failed.

"I am a guy who likes to put the bad things and difficult times behind me. I had a lot of tough times and I know what it is. We must move forward, working equally and always strong," De Gea told Canal Plus, as reported by the Mirror.

"It's a learning process that gives football hard moments but that make you mature and grow. These are things that you learn in the world of football. You have to keep working and try to improve in every training session," he said.

The return of De Gea to United's starting lineup has seen summer signing Sergio Romero drop to the bench after starting all matches in August. The Argentine international claimed that he has accepted, to being the second choice 'keeper for Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

"I took the matches when I was given the chance to play, but when De Gea renewed it was obvious he was going back to the team," Romero told Argentine publication Ole, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"De Gea won the place over the years he was there. The coach talked to me and I understood perfectly," he added.