Man Utd GK David De Gea Credits 2012 Save vs. Juan Mata as Career Turning Point

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In a brief 2015 interview with Manchester United's official website, David De Gea called his 2012 save against Chelsea's Juan Mata the best he's ever pulled off. But now he says it was a turning point in his career at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United goalkeeper joined from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has fast become a fan favourite for the Red Devils, winning back-to-back player of the year titles with the club.

However, it wasn't always that way.

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Avtex Sports) before United's 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, the Spaniard talked about his tough start to life in England, where he struggled to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League.

But he fought through those teething issues and says the spectacular save from a free-kick by Mata—who is now his team-mate—during a 3-3 draw against Chelsea was a key moment.

"It was probably a point where everything changed," he said. "From this game on, I played better and better and better."

While his United future has been unclear due to the interest of Real Madrid, De Gea says his sole focus is on bringing Champions League football and trophies back to Old Trafford.

He also called the club's supporters "some of the best fans in the world" because of the way they responded when he signed a new contract extension with Manchester United in September.

"I cannot describe how I felt in that moment—it was unbelievable. At another country, another club, it's not the same fans as Manchester United."

[Sky Sports, h/t Avtex Sports]