Manchester United’s David de Gea has admitted his failed transfer to Real Madrid was a “tough” experience but one that has helped him mature as a player.

The Spain goalkeeper’s proposed move to the Santiago Bernabéu fell through when the paperwork was not signed off in time and De Gea has since signed a new four-year deal at Old Trafford.

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The 24-year-old is expected to start against Luxembourg in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday after playing seven consecutive matches for United and insisted he is only concentrating on the future.

“I am a guy who likes to put the bad things and difficult times behind me,” De Gea said. “I had a lot of tough times and I know what it is. We must move forward, working equally and always strong.

“It’s a learning process that gives football hard moments but that make you mature and grow. These are things that you learn in the world of football. You have to keep working and try to improve in every training session.” He added: “Everyone who works for Manchester respected me, I tried to help and I am very grateful to them.”