Del Bosque rules out sending De Gea back to Spain

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque says he never considered sending David De Gea home after reports Friday connected the goalkeeper to a sexual assault case.

According to court documents, a female witness in the trial of a pornography baron testified that De Gea organised an abusive, non-consensual sexual encounter with prostitutes for two teammates in 2012. The Manchester United player defended his reputation later Friday during a press conference, denying any involvement.

Ahead of Spain's European Championship opener against the Czech Republic on Monday, Del Bosque said the 25-year-old netminder discussed the situation with his teammates as well.

"I think De Gea has given all the explanations he had to give and he has made it clear that he has nothing to do with this issue," Del Bosque told reporters. "He said that to the whole squad too.

"We all met up and the lad, calmly and sincerely, has explained that he has nothing to do with this issue. The squad is here to support him at all times and to give him the affection he needs at these times. Everything is normal and we’ll carry on."

Despite the report emerging so close to the beginning of the nation's Euro campaign, Del Bosque said he never thought about sending De Gea home because of a perceived distraction in the Spanish camp.

"We have never considered (sending De Gea home). This was a surprise for us," said Del Bosque. "We waited for the lad’s explanations. It seems that he has done nothing and I have to believe him."

However, Del Bosque has yet to decide whether De Gea or veteran 'keeper Iker Casillas will start against the Czechs.