David de Gea and Manchester United have both confirmed the goalkeeper’s exit from the club.
The 32-year-old’s contract with United expired in June and despite several months of negotiations, he was unable to agree an extension of his stay with the club.
United see De Gea’s departure as an opportunity to further develop the squad and are looking at several options to fill the top spot in Erik ten Hag’s squad, including Inter Milan’s Andre Onana and Dean Henderson, who was on loan at Nottingham Forest last season were.
United are still negotiating with Inter over Onana but a potential deal is expected to be a few days away.
De Gea, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011, announced his departure on social media on Saturday, saying goodbye to United fans and thanking them for their years of support.
He said: “I just wanted to send this goodbye message to all the Manchester United fans. I want to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love of the last 12 years. We’ve come a long way since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club.
“I felt incredibly proud every time I put this jersey on. Leading the team, representing this institution, the greatest club in the world, was an honor that only a few lucky footballers get.” It has been an unforgettable and successful time since I came here. I didn’t think we would achieve what we achieved together after leaving Madrid as a little boy.
“Now it’s time to take on a new challenge and develop myself further in a new environment. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester shaped me and will never leave me. We have seen everything.”
GO DEEPER
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De Gea is leaving United after making a total of 545 appearances for the club, keeping 190 clean sheets and winning eight trophies including the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
United vice-captain Bruno Fernandes immediately took to social media to pay tribute to De Gea’s contribution to the team, writing: “You deserve to say goodbye at the stadium while all the fans cheer you on for all the fond memories.
“You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten and nobody can take that away from you. All the best for what is to come for you and your family.”
Ten Hag issued a statement on United’s website congratulating de Gea on his career at United and wishing him all the best in the future.
Ten Hag said: “You need great quality and character to even play a game for Manchester United.” To do that 545 times over a period of 12 years is a special achievement, especially as a goalkeeper, where you can play in every game is in the spotlight.
“The fact that he has been named Player of the Year four times by both fans and team-mates shows the level of his performance and will always be remembered as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history.”
“I am personally grateful for the 25 goals he conceded last season and for his overall contribution on the pitch during my first year at the club.” All the players and coaches wish him well for the next phase of his outstanding career. “
(Photo: Getty Images)