According to Journalist Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito, Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales stunned Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea by congratulating him on his retirement from international duty.
De Gea hasn’t played a single game for Spain since October 2020, therefore Luis Enrique’s decision to keep him out of the 26-man World Cup roster came as no surprise.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper has been outstanding for United for the past 18 months, but Enrique has decided to replace him because he prefers keepers who can play from the back.
Enrique personally called De Gea to inform him that he wouldn’t be joining the La Roja team for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, and Alvarez had previously disclosed this.
After that, De Gea received a call from Spanish FA president Rubiales, who surprised De Gea by congratulating him on his decision to retire from International football. De Gea clarified that despite a misunderstanding between Enrique and Rubiales, he has no intention of declaring his retirement and won’t do so even if he is called up.
The United goalkeeper was surprised by the Spanish FA president’s words as he said:
“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.”
Between 2019 and 2020, De Gea’s performance was erratic. He made some notable mistakes, which led to him losing his spot on the national team.
The last time the Spaniard played for La Roja was in October 2020. He was never utilised as a replacement during the previous season, and Enrique has not called him up for the 2022 World Cup campaign. De Gea would feel disappointed by the choice to ignore him because Enrique has obviously preferred shot-stoppers who can play out from the back.
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Under manager Erik ten Hag, De Gea has made progress in both areas. His reflexes have also become quicker. Since the Brentford game, he hasn’t made a single error.
Unless Enrique is fired or resigns from his position as Spain’s manager, De Gea may not be able to rejoin the national squad.
