De Gea Signs with Fiorentina

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has officially signed a one-year contract with Italian club Fiorentina, marking his return to professional soccer after a year-long hiatus. The 33-year-old Spaniard had not played in the previous season, having left Manchester United as a free agent following an impressive 12-year tenure with the club. During his time at Manchester United, De Gea made a remarkable 545 appearances and achieved significant success, including winning the Premier League title in 2013, one FA Cup, two League Cups, and a Europa League title. His departure from United marked the end of an era, as he was regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the world during his prime. Fiorentina announced the signing on their official website on Friday, expressing excitement about adding the experienced goalkeeper to their squad. De Gea is expected to be presented to the Italian media on Monday, where he will likely discuss his motivations for joining the Serie A club and his aspirations for the upcoming season. Last season, Fiorentina finished eighth in Serie A and is currently preparing for a playoff to qualify for the third-tier UEFA Conference League. The addition of De Gea is seen as a strategic move to bolster their squad as they aim for improved performance in the league and European competitions.