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Juan Mata backs David de Gea to bounce back from Real Madrid disappointment

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Juan Mata gave his opinion on the David de Gea transfer drama, but insisted his Spain team-mate is focused on Euro 2016 qualification

Juan Mata believes Manchester United team-mate David de Gea will not let the disappointment of the collapse of his move to Real Madrid affect his performances on the pitch.

The Spanish goalkeeper was on the verge of completing a move to Madrid until paperwork problems meant the move was unable to be finalised before Spain's transfer deadline at 11pm on Monday.

Both teams have laid the blame at the door of the other for the embarrassing collapse but it leaves De Gea and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who was included in the deal, in a somewhat awkward position.

De Gea is currently on international duty with Spain as they prepare for a key European Qualifier on Saturday against Slovakia, who they currently trail by three points in Group C.

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The game is an important one for the Spanish and Mata is confident his close friend De Gea will not let his personal setback alter his professional approach for club or country.

"He is my friend and I wish the best for him but I am sure he is going to manage the situation very well because he has always done it," Mata said.

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"We have two very important games to try to win to be first in the group. Obviously he is going to be very professional.

"I think he is quite focused now on the national team and that is it. He will manage the situation because he has always been very professional and he will always be."

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was linked with a move in the opposite direction to United before signing a lucrative contract extension to remain at the Bernabeu.

Keylor Navas of Real Madrid CF kicks the ball during the warm up prior to the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Fut
Image: Keylor Navas saw his move from Real Madrid to Manchester United fall through

He was asked for his thoughts on the situation when speaking to the Spanish media, and while reluctant to be drawn on the subject, he did advise both De Gea and Navas to move on quickly from the episode.

"If I speak about a player that is not a Real Madrid player, it would be disrespectful to my team-mates," Ramos said.

"We have two great goalkeepers. I will only speak about the players we have here. Keylor has to be calm after the love he received from the crowd during the match against Betis.

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"I cannot speak about players that are not part of Real Madrid. I have not spoken with him [De Gea] and I do not know what his opinion is.

"He has to keep working to keep at his level because I think he is a candidate to become one of the best goalkeepers.

"You have to be prepared for this situation so it does not affect your performance."

You can watch Spain host Slovakia in their key Group C European Qualifier on Saturday live on Sky Sports 5 HD, with coverage from 7.40pm. 

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