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David De Gea: Man Utd goalkeeper makes Spain vow after surprise Portugal World Cup blunder
DAVID DE GEA insists he will not panic despite his costly error in Spain’s 3-3 World Cup draw with Portugal last night and insists his compatriots remain fully supportive of him.
Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, including an 88th-minute set-piece equaliser, as Spain were denied a victory after a Diego Costa brace and Nacho Fernandez’s fine strike.
It was an uncharacteristic error from De Gea, although he also spilled a shot to concede in a friendly draw with Switzerland earlier this month.
Stand-in boss Fernando Hierro indicated that he will keep the faith with the United No 1 and the shot-stopper received support on social media from several of his team-mates.
And the Premier League Golden Glove winner insists he is not overly concerned by his blunder in their opening game.
I’ll keep training and try to do things right. I haven’t killed anyone, it’s a mistake.
“This can happen. It’s a mistake,” De Gea - who has reportedly signed a new five-year deal with United - said.
“We [goalkeepers] put on our gloves and go out into the field and we know how difficult it is. I count on the support of the coach and my colleagues to continue.
“I will stay calm. It was a difficult ball, it was hit very hard by Cristiano. This is football.
“I’ll keep training and try to do things right. I haven’t killed anyone, it’s a mistake. I have the support of the whole team.”
But speaking with reporters, De Gea indicated his deeper frustrations at a perceived lack of support from the Spanish media.
De Gea's World Cup fumble is 'unfortunate' says Fabregas
De Gea was in the headlines recently for refusing to applaud Spain’s newly-elected prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, when he met the Spain squad recently in Madrid.
The politician said two years ago that he was uncomfortable with De Gea representing the nation due to accusations of sexual assault, the player later being cleared of any wrong-doing.
De Gea added: “I spoke with Pedro Sanchez, I apologised, and he accepted it. I said it’s fair that I should apologise publicly.
“But I don’t see much that they support me from Spain. My own criticism is bad enough.
“I would have liked that they defend me more in a difficult moment in my life, with an issue from outside the game.
“I am happy with the support from the manager and the lads.”