De Gea: United the perfect club for me

David de Gea described his move to Manchester United as "an important step" in his career as he said his farewells to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening.

United confirmed earlier on Wednesday that the 20-year-old, who flew to Manchester on Monday for a medical having helped Spain win the Under-21 European Championships at the weekend, is to join the Red Devils on a five-year contract.
Speaking at press conference in Madrid on Wednesday night, De Gea admitted that Atletico had fought to keep him at the Vicente Calderon but felt the time was right to move on.
"Atletico Madrid made an offer to renew my contract in September or October and I said that I wouldn't study it until the Under-21 European Championships finished and do it with a little more calm," said De Gea.
"In these cases it's important that your family advise you and they've done that.
"Atletico have always fought for me. I've always felt wanted, but the main reason for my going is that I want to play at Manchester [United].
"Manchester United are one of the best clubs in the world and it's an important step in my career. I'm going to do as well as possible there and try to succeed."
De Gea, who has long been linked with a move to United, added: "There have been many rumours these last few months about if I had gone there or not, but the truth is that last week there was contact from Manchester United to Atletico Madrid saying that they would like me to visit their facilities and present an offer to me.
"I decided to go with my family and study the offer and see everything and that's when I decided.
"They have very good facilities. It's one of the best clubs in the world and I'm going there to continue growing as a player and as a person, and for that it's a perfect club.
"Atletico made an effort [to keep me], but my family and I have taken this decision."
He added: "I want to thank everybody who has had faith in me and the fans who have always supported me since I was young. I will always carry Atleti in my heart."
United had known since Christmas that a replacement for the retiring Edwin van der Sar would be needed.
Germany's Manuel Neuer was also linked with an Old Trafford move, although he eventually opted for Bayern Munich.
However, it is thought United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had already put De Gea at the top of his wanted list and has persuaded the youngster he can adapt to life with the Barclays Premier League champions.
With Anders Lindegaard only arriving at the club in December, it now appears likely Tomasz Kuszczak will be allowed to leave, even though the Pole was on the bench for last month's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
Ferguson has now made three signings since that Wembley setback, starting with former Blackburn defender Phil Jones before Ashley Young completed his much-anticipated move from Aston Villa last week.
However, it is thought United are still in the hunt for at least one new face following confirmation of Paul Scholes' retirement.
Luka Modric and Alexis Sanchez were both of interest to Ferguson, although it appears neither will end up with the Red Devils, while huge doubt remains over United's ability to land Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder - even though they landed a record 19th league title last term.