Goalkeeper, David de Gea has announced his departure from Manchester United.
De Gea’s decision to leave Utd comes after weeks of discussions over a new contract with a pay cut in wages, with the Spain international having been a free agent since his contract expired on 30 June.
Confirming his exit, De Gea shared a farewell tweet on Twitter in which he expressed ‘unwavering gratitude and appreciation’ for the support from fans since he arrived in .
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
De Gea proceeded to add that now marked the right time to face ‘a new challenge,” in a new environment which potentially ruled out moving to another English club.
The 32 year-old leaves having kept a club-record 190 clean sheets in 545 appearances for a Utd goalkeeper, during which the Red Devils won three FA Community Shields, two EFL Cups plus one Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League title apiece.
His most recent and final trophy with Utd came last season as the Red Devils beat Newcastle United at Wembley in the EFL Cup Final.
Manager, Erik ten Hag issued his own tribute to De Gea, in which he commented: “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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