De Gea recently missed out on a place in Spain’s World Cup squad
David De Gea has been left confused after he was bizarrely congratulated on his retirement from international football despite having no intention to quit.
De Gea wasn’t included in Spain’s World Cup squad, with Luis Enrique opting to take Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez and David Raya instead.
Upon his omission De Gea was reportedly sent a message from the head of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, about calling time on his career.
Journalist Jose Alvarez told Spanish outlet El Chiringuito: “De Gea has been a bit of a strange subject.
“Suddenly he disappeared from the call ups a few months ago and Luis Enrique did call David to tell him he was not going to count on him. He told him that it was a technical decision. Obviously, David asked him what the reason was, but he was not given any further explanation.
“A few days later David receives a message from (Luis) Rubiales, president of the Federation, who says ‘David I am glad that you have finally made the decision you have been thinking about. I have already been told that you are leaving the national team.’
🚨🇪🇸 NEW:
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been left ‘surprised’ after receiving a message from the head of the Spanish FA congratulating him on his international retirement, despite having yet to retire for his country. @elchiringuitotv @Sport_Witness 🔴
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) November 17, 2022
“To this David replies ‘Sorry? There is no renunciation of anything, who has told you that I renounce anything? The coach has told me that he is not going to count on me, but I have never renounced the national team, nor do I intend to do so, that is if I am called up’.
“He was a bit surprised by the communication between Luis Enrique and Rubiales and the message that arrived from Rubiales afterward.”
The Manchester United goalkeeper has been out of contention for his country in the last few years and hasn’t played for La Roja since October, 2020.
This is the first time he hasn’t been named in a squad for an international major tournament since he made his debut in 2014.
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