Manchester United have officially announced that David de Gea has left the club after his contract expired last week.
His departure brings to an end his 12 year tenure at Old Trafford, in which he made 545 appearances with 190 clean sheets, setting two records for the club.
He helped United win the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and two Carabao Cups.
He also won two golden glove awards and a record four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards (fan voted) and also four Players’ Player of the Year awards.
De Gea says goodbye
De Gea has sent a goodbye message to United fans as his departure is confirmed. He wrote on Twitter:
“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.
MORE UNITED STORIES
“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.”
What has been said
Erik ten Hag was full of praise for the Spaniard as he said on the club’s Official website:
“It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United. To do it 545 times over 12 years is a special achievement, particularly in the goalkeeping position where every game puts you in the spotlight.”
He continued to thank De Gea for his performances over the past year which helped United secure a top four finish, along with sending his wishes to the player.
“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.”
Football Director, John Murtough added that,
John Murtough, Football Director, said:
“David leaves Manchester United with the deepest respect and warmest appreciation of everyone associated with the club. To have set new club records for goalkeeper appearances and clean sheets, surpassing Alex Stepney and Peter Schmeichel respectively, shows just how great a player he has been for us.”
We share this sentiment here at United in Focus and wish David all the best for his future and thank you for your 12 years of service. David will forever be a club legend, thank you David.