Manchester United fans will welcome David De Gea back with respect, says Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta

Welcome back: De Geal will be embraced by the Old Trafford support
(Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Tom Dutton4 September 2015

Chelsea left-back Cesar Azpilicueta expects David De Gea to be welcomed back by Manchester United supporters despite nearly joining Real Madrid on deadline day.

The goalkeeper was expected to leave Old Trafford, with Keylor Navas moving in the opposite direction, but the deal failed to go through before Monday's transfer deadline in Spain and De Gea has since been named in United's 25-man Premier League squad.

The Spaniard has one-year remaining on his United deal and will likely run that down and move to the Bernabeu on a free transfer should the Red Devils choose not to cash in on their goalkeeper in January.

But compatriot Azpilicueta expects the Old Trafford faithful to embrace De Gea despite all likelihood that deadline day's botched move has only postponed his inevitable departure.

"As a rival, I've experienced the affection the United fans have for De Gea," Azpilicueta told reporters. "They always respect him and they will continue to do so.

Jon Buckle/PA

"He is very loved there, and the United fans will welcome him with respect."

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