David de Gea believes he is “much more mature” than he was five years ago as the goalkeeper looks forward to Euro 2016 and working under Jose Mourinho.
De Gea will compete with Iker Casillas and Sergio Rico for Spain’s No 1 jersey at the European Championship, which kicks off on Friday, and then return to Manchester United, now managed by former Real Madrid boss Mourinho.
“There’s enough security after what happened recently. Anything you want to do must always be protected by safety measures,” he told El Larguero.
“We’re calm, it’s something that we’re not worried about because there’s lots of security everywhere.
“I think so [on being a better player and more experienced now], I’ve played important games at United, winning trophies there, playing games with the national team …
“I’m a more mature player and ready for whatever. I’m much more mature than I was five years ago. The years make you see things differently, but I’m still the same guy with the same enthusiasm as before.
“I want to compete and win trophies. The years give you maturity, you learn from the good and bad things and when you’re mature, you see football and life differently.
“I don’t know [if I’ll start at the Euros], but hopefully I can play, I’ve really wanted to play at a European Championship, and I look forward to helping the team.
“I’m prepared and I hope things go well. I come from many years of playing at a high level. This is the national team, there’s a lot of pressure and discussion, but I’m calm, training well and trying to help the team in any way I can.
“[On speaking to his Spain teammates about Mourinho], no, I already know enough about him.
“I think United needed a Coach like him, a Coach with personality and a winning Coach. The signing of Mou is a wise move.”
