David de Gea has confirmed his departure from Manchester United following a 12-year tenure at the club.
The 32-year-old custodian joined the Premier League side in 2011 and was their first choice for almost a decade.
De Gea became a free agent on July 1 after failing to reach an agreement to extend his contract before it expired.
Negotiations for a new contract have proceeded, but the Spaniard has finally announced his departure.
He took to social media to say: “I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters.
“I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.
“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.
“Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.
“Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.
“We’ve seen it all.”
Man United also made the announcement via their official channels, praising De Gea as a legend.
During his stint at the club, he made over 500 appearances and won the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields, and the UEFA Europa League.
“It takes great quality and character to even play one game for Manchester United,” remarked manager Erik ten Hag. It takes a rare accomplishment to do it 545 times in 12 years, especially in the goalkeeping position, when every game puts you in the limelight.
“To have won Player of the Year awards from both the fans and his team-mates, each on four occasions, shows the level of his performance and he will always be remembered as one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the club.
“I am personally grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution on the pitch during my first year at the club. All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career.”
According to talkSPORT, the Red Devils are in early negotiations with Inter Milan about signing goalie Andre Onana.
United has had two proposals rejected, but is convinced that a £45 million package will close the transaction.
Onana is rumoured to be interested in a move to Old Trafford, and De Gea’s departure means a deal is on the cards.
Source: talksports.com
