David de Geahas revealed his shock at being chosen to start ahead of veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillasin Spain's friendly with France.
Vicente del Bosque fielded De Gea ahead of the Real Madrid captain as Didier Deschamps' men edged them in a 1-0 victory on Thursday.
The Roja boss had revealed his intentions to usher in a new Spain era and, with only four of the starting XI from their opening World Cup 2014 clash also beginning against les Bleus, he offered supporters a glimpse of the future generation.
Ahead of Spain's opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia, De Gea confessed his surprise that he was given the nod ahead of his more experienced team-mate and says it is "weird" that many staples of the national team have retired or been dropped.
"I heard the talk before the game that I might start," he told Cadena Cope. "It shocked me a little when it happened but I'm completely delighted with the decision.
"I do not think a lot about replacing Iker. He is still young for a goalkeeper and can still have plenty of years at the top level in football.
"It's getting a little weird the way the team's changed. Those players have carried Spain for many years and have been key to this team, but the young people pushing hard will do just as well."
The Manchester United goalkeeper also revealed that Ander Herrera is nearing a return to first-team action for his new club after suffering an injury earlier in the season.
"He's not 100 per cent but for the next game he will be ready," he added.
De Gea, who moved to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2011, says his team-mates have avoided talking to Angel Di Maria about his ongoing spat with Real Madrid.
"He's delighted to be there and is very excited. We try not to talk to him about Real Madrid and focus on United."
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