Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea admits it wasn't easy to settle down at the club.
The Spaniard joined the Red Devils as a 20-year-old during the summer of 2011, becoming the second most expensive goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Buffon.
He became United's regular goalkeeper after the departure of Edwin van der Sar but questions were raised after a number of mistakes in his first games for the club.
"It's difficult when you get a lot of criticism like I did. But I kept strong and I always tried to remain positive," de Gea is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
"Those early days were difficult for me and my family.
"But when you play for a big club like Manchester United [being criticised] is normal when you don't play well.
"What happened at the start helped me be the player and man I am now.
"When you have bad moments you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it and I believe I have become stronger. I am much better now."
The 23-year-old was United's man-of-the-match on Sunday against Everton as he described his performance as one of his best for the Red Devils.
"It was probably one of my best performances for Manchester United," said de Gea.
"I was really happy about that, games like that helps your confidence grow."
