David de Gea has announced he is leaving Manchester United as a free agent after 12 seasons at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old’s contract with United expired at the end of June, with no new deal agreed despite talks that took place throughout the season.
In a statement on Twitter, the long-serving Spanish goalkeeper said: ‘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 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.’
When De Gea’s contract expired last Friday, United said they remained in talks with the Spain goalkeeper.
That followed reports that De Gea had signed a contract extension only for the club to withdraw that offer and come back with reduced terms.
, appearing to aim a dig at United for drawing out what had become an awkward saga.
with personal terms already understood to have been agreed.
Reflecting on De Gea’s incredible Old Trafford career which saw him make 545 appearances, United’s football director John Murtough 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.
‘Just as important are his qualities as a person, and he will be missed by all of us who have had the privilege of working with him over the past 12 years.
‘David will always be part of the Manchester United family and we look forward to welcoming him back to Old Trafford in future as a legend of the club.’
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