Football
ESPN staff 9y

Real Madrid target David De Gea should be 'happy' - Juan Mata

Juan Mata has said he wants Manchester United teammate David De Gea to be happy amid interest from Real Madrid in the goalkeeper.

De Gea has been strongly linked with a transfer to Real this summer after he enjoyed another excellent season for United.

And reports on Monday claim the Premier League side could look to include Los Blancos defender Sergio Ramos in a deal involving the Spain shot-stopper.

Of De Gea's future, Mata said in the Manchester Evening News: "I get asked a lot about him. He's my friend and I want him to be happy. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world today. From a personal point of view, I want him on my team."

Mata also reserved praise for new Real coach Rafa Benitez and former United manager David Moyes, who is now in charge at Real Sociedad, after the Scot brought him to Old Trafford from Chelsea for £37.1 million in January 2014.

He added: "Benitez knows how to get the best out of his players and makes them perform to the best of their capabilities.

"I've always tried to extract something positive from my coaches, some more than others. Moyes showed a lot of faith in me by investing in my signature.

"It's unusual for a team to spend big on a player mid-season and give them a long-term contract."

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