David De Gea has told ESPN he is now "really happy" at Manchester United and praised Louis van Gaal and the fans for helping him to reintegrate into the team.

De Gea, 25, was excluded from the United team at the start of the season amid transfer interest interest from Real Madrid, but the deal collapsed on the final day of the Spanish transfer window.

The Spain international then signed a new contract with United until 2019 and was brought back into the first team.

While persistent reports have claimed the deal includes a release clause that would allow him to move to Madrid in the future, De Gea told ESPN Deportes he is enjoying life at Old Trafford.

Speaking to the ESPN Deportes show "Fuera De Juego," he said: "I felt in that moment that to extend my contract was the best thing to do. I'm really happy now, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, where I feel loved by the fans.

"Nobody let me down or disappointed me -- these are things that happen. You must look forward, and I am very happy now.