Atletico Madrid legend Abel Resino has claimed that the club's fans would not turn their back on David de Gea if he joins bitter rivals Real Madrid this summer.
The Manchester United goalkeeper, who began his career at the Vicente Calderon, has been heavily linked with a big-money move to the Rojiblancos' city rivals.
It was suggested that the 24-year-old would cut all ties with his former club should he make the switch, but Resino, who gave De Gea his debut in 2009, says that the supporters would understand.
"I don't think the fans would hold it against him if he signed for Real Madrid," the 55-year-old, who himself was an Atletico goalkeeper and coach, told Marca.
"It's true, though, that this sort of scenario used to be more difficult.
"For example, I would have been hard-pressed to go to Real Madrid. I couldn't imagine Casillas at Atletico or Barca now either, but it's not like De Gea played for Atleti for that long. There's no longer such a strong sense of belonging."
The Spain international, who left Madrid for United in 2011, is out of contract at Old Trafford in 2016.
