DAVID DE GEA pulled off an “insane” save as the ex-Manchester United star single-handedly kept nine-man Fiorentina in Europe.
The Italians booked their place in the Europa Conference League with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Puskas Akademia.
The first leg ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw before last night’s 1-1 went to extra-time and penalties.
De Gea, who left Manchester United a year ago before failing to find a new club until earlier this month, saved one of Puskas’ spot-kicks to send new side Fiorentina into the Conference group stage.
But it was his earlier stop that really saved their bacon.
De Gea needed to use every inch of his 6ft3in frame when a Puskas header came in at him from point blank.
The effort looked certain to be a goal as De Gea’s opponent pulled the trigger right in front of the net.
But the Spaniard had other ideas as he stuck out an arm to tip the header onto the bar.
De Gea then cooly collected the ball after it bounced off a teammate.
And fans were left in awe of his skills.
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One said: “The man still has it and forever will do.”
Another declared: “That’s an insane save.”
One noted: “Always a GOAT.”
Another added: “He is so back.”
De Gea later made another fine save, this time from six yards out.
A Puskas pass from wide split Fiorentina’s defence and found an unmarked man on the edge of the six-yard box.
He swept a strong shot towards the Italians’ top corner.
But De Gea again stayed firm to block the ball and send it out for a corner.
The goalie’s crowning moment then came in the shootout as he saved Puskas’ fourth penalty.
Fiorentina went on to win 5-4 to join the likes of Chelsea and Real Betis in Pot One of the Conference League draw.
The Serie A side had two men sent off in added time, just moments before Puskas netted a dramatic equaliser in the 97th minute to send the game to penalties.
De Gea played 545 times for United during a 12-year spell at Old Trafford, winning a Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
But despite landing the Golden Glove award during his final season at the club, he was released on a free transfer by Erik ten Hag to make way for Andre Onana.
De Gea failed to get a new club last summer and spent the entire year training on his own before Fiorentina offered him a deal in early August.
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Chelsea reportedly remain in talks to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli, with time running out for the Blues to complete a deal.
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Elsewhere, Newcastle are set to walk away from their long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
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