Following the expiration of his contract, David De Gea left Manchester United.
The Spanish goalkeeper spent 12 seasons with the Old Trafford team before writing a farewell letter to the club’s supporters on Saturday.
On June 30, De Gea’s contract came to an end, but the club announced at the time that they were still in talks with the 32-year-old custodian about an extension.
Read Also:De Gea Wants To Sign Contract Extension With Man United
The longest-tenured member of the current team was the Spaniard, who joined United in 2011 under Alex Ferguson and has made close to 550 appearances.
“I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,” De Gea wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
During Ferguson’s final season as manager, De Gea’s second season with the club, he won the Premier League along with the League Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League.
The second time he did so was in the 2022–23 season, when United finished third and qualified for the Champions League. He has twice won the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in a season.
But in recent years, the four-time club player of the year had faced criticism for failings and mistakes.
The former Atletico Madrid custodian reportedly earned one of the highest salaries at United, although he hasn’t played for Spain since 2020.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana of Inter Milan has been linked to a transfer to United.
“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,” De Gea said.
“Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.”