has appeared to aim a dig at ’s handling of ’s exit.
De Gea’s contract with United expired at the end of June and following several weeks of uncertainty, .
‘I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,’ De Gea said in a statement.
‘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 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 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.’
Several United players have already paid tribute to De Gea, but in his message to his former teammate, Fernandes made it clear that he is unhappy with the manner of the goalkeeper’s exit.
‘You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories,’ Fernandes wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag said of De Gea’s departure: ‘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.
‘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.’
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