Spain goalkeeper David De Gea has responded to his critics with a Twitter post in which he vowed to “keep fighting”.
The 25-year-old endured a difficult time on Tuesday evening as Spain were beaten 2-1 by Croatia at Euro 2016, while he has also had to contend with speculation about off-the-field issues.
In the final group stage game, De Gea conceded the winner at his near post, while also being caught off his line by an Ivan Rakitic lob which struck the cross-bar.
However, the Manchester United goalkeeper insisted that he will use the criticism he has received as motivation.
Indeed, the Red Devils’ No.1 said: “Thank you for the criticism, it motivates me.”
Sólo es derrotado el que pierde la ilusión. Gracias por las críticas, me motivan. A seguir luchando! pic.twitter.com/UPD2K3hiEC
— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) June 22, 2016
De Gea has a chance to bounce back when Spain take on Italy in the Round of 16 of the tournament on Monday.
After enjoying an excellent season at club level – he kept the second-highest total of Premier League clean sheets (15) – De Gea fended off competition from the experienced Iker Casillas to earn a starting berth for Spain.
De Gea had very little to do in Spain’s opening two group stage fixtures, but he struggled against Croatia, with his positioning being rather questionable.
Despite the setback that they endured this week, Spain still have a very talented squad and will be hopeful of causing problems for Antonio Conte’s Italy.
Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque will be a little concerned about how his side defended though, and they can ill-afford to make such errors against Italy, who were clinical against Belgium and Sweden.
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