De Gea thanks his critics for motivating him

The goalkeeper was criticised after Spain's 2-1 defeat against Croatia at Euro 2016 but he insists his doubters spur him on to improve his performances and get better

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea has thanked his critics for motivating him on the back of his performance against Croatia in their final Euro 2016 group game in Bordeaux.
Defending champions Spain went down 2-1 to Croatia, who sealed top spot in Group D in the process, on Tuesday.
De Gea was criticised after Ivan Perisic's 87th-minute winner, which saw the Manchester United goalkeeper beaten at his near post after a slight deflection.

The loss meant Spain finished runners-up in the group and will face Italy in the round of 16 in a rematch of the 2012 final.
But following a wave of negative comments directed at the 25-year-old, De Gea says the criticism only motivates him to become better.
"The only ones who are defeated are those who lose hope," he wrote on Twitter.
"Thanks to the critics, you motivate me. To keep fighting!"
Spain will play Group E winners Italy in the round of 16 in Paris on 27 June.