David De Gea Happy with English 'Affection and Respect' Amid Real Madrid Rumours

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has spoken of his contentment in England, which has been interpreted as a suggestion he would turn down interest from Real Madrid to remain at Old Trafford this summer. 

The Spain No. 1 is away on international duty and indicated he does not feel the same support in Spain that he receives from his fans in the Premier League, per TalkSport:

"In the end in England I have a great affection and respect that I do not notice so much here.

"But every time I come to the national team I feel fondness inside, and it is the most important thing."

TalkSport reported the comments are De Gea hinting he is prepared to again reject interest from Real Madrid this summer and prolong his stay at Old Trafford, which is approaching its seven-year anniversary.

De Gea starred in Spain's 1-1 friendly draw against Germany on Friday, and the reigning world champions were forced on several occasions to admire the man who at times was all that stood between them and victory:

The former Atletico Madrid man, born and raised in Spain's capital, has been linked with a return to Madrid almost since leaving for United in 2011, but the Red Devils have managed to fend off Los Blancos.

It's with the Red Devils that De Gea has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and blogger Liam Canning went one step further in praising him as a stopper for the ages:

De Gea noticing a lack of "respect" in his native country may be due to the divided club allegiances among Spanish supporters, while United's fans have named him Player of the Year three times in the last four years.

The 27-year-old has again outlined how essential he is to United this term, helping keep Jose Mourinho's men second in the Premier League.

United fans will take heart in De Gea's comments regarding the "great affection" he feels in England, seemingly boosting their chances of holding onto arguably the most valuable weapon in their arsenal.