David de Gea has shrugged off criticism after Spain’s disappointing 2-1 Euro 2016 defeat to Croatia and is determined to help the team overcome Italy in their last-16 showdown.
After the Croatians sent two goals hurtling past the Manchester United ‘keeper on Tuesday, he received a rating of four out of 10 from leading Spanish sports newspaper Marca.
“De Gea has lost his aura. De Gea could have done better in the two goals,” Marca said.
The 25-year-old had kept a clean sheet in Spain’s opening two victories, a 1-0 triumph over the Czech Republic and a 3-0 defeat of Turkey but the defeat to Croatia left Spain second in Group D.
Taking to social media to slam critics, De Gea tweeted: “Only those that lose enthusiasm are defeated. Thank you for the criticism, it motivates me. Now to continue battling.”
De Gea started in only three Euro 2016 qualifiers and was not named first choice for the tournament in France until the day of Spain’s opener against the Czechs.
Spain take on Italy, the team they beat 4-0 four years ago in the final, in the last 16 in Paris on Monday with De Gea expected to start ahead of Iker Casillas.
