David De Gea has announced his departure from Manchester United, bringing an end to a 12-year stay during which he secured an array of trophies and personal accolades to cement his place as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the club.
The 32-year-old Spanish goalkeeper leaves United as a free agent after no new deal agreed despite talks that took place throughout the season for the renewal of his contract. It was reported that he agreed a 50% splash of his current deal but United withrew the initial offer of a new contract.
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… pic.twitter.com/6R7ezOEf1E
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 8, 2023
United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly been pushing to sign a new goalkeeper in this transfer window, with a deal for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana said to be close.
After arriving in Manchester from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011, David spent 12 years honing his craft between United’s posts, becoming one of the greatest goalkeepers this club has ever seen.
He departs Old Trafford as a legend, with 545 appearances, 190 clean sheets and a plethora of other personal achievements, records and trophies to his name
In an emotional post on his official Twitter account, David addressed United supporters as follows:
“My farewell message to all Manchester United supporters is extremely difficult to write.
“I want 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 and gave me the opportunity to wear this badge.
“I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt. To lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world, was an honour only bestowed 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, new beginnings.
“Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. This club, Old Trafford and our incredible supporters will forever be in my heart.
“We’ve seen it all.”
