Atletico deserved Champions League

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea claims his former club Atletico Madrid deserved to win the Champions League more than Real Madrid.

The final between the two Madrid clubs saw Real prevail 5-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.

But De Gea, who left Atletico to sign for United in 2011, believes Diego Simeone's men were the more worthy winners because they had a tougher route to the final.

Atletico beat PSV, holders Barcelona and Bayern Munich on their way to the showpiece in Milan, whereas Real defeated Roma, Wolfsburg and Manchester City – a run that De Gea argues was less challenging for Zinedine Zidane's men.

"I think the Atleti eliminated very complicated rivals and probably deserved to win the competition more than Real Madrid," he told AS.

"I did not cry but I suffered from the outset.

"Atletico have suffered greatly in recent years. They have not had the luck they deserved, but they have to keep believing in the club and the team they have."

De Gea made 69 appearances in his two seasons at Atletico after emerging through their youth system and the goalkeeper says the club remains close to his heart.

"I have spent many years there and the club is a fighter," he said.

"Atleti gave me everything. They helped me to play at European level and that I will always carry in my heart.