Always in my heart — David De Gea says goodbye to Manchester United after 12 years

David De Gea left Manchester United as a free agent.

Always in my heart — David De Gea says goodbye to Manchester United after 12 years

Izuchukwu Akawor 14:44 - 08.07.2023

Manchester United and David De Gea have parted company after 12 years together.

Manchester United and goalkeeper David De Gea have ended their relationship following a message from the Spaniard.

De Gea confirmed he has left the club after 12 years at Old Trafford with a statement on his social media account.

Man United goalkeeper David De Gea.= has been at the club for 12 years.

"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," De Gea posted on Twitter on Saturday afternoon. 

De Gea departs United

After 12 years at the club, the goalkeeper’s contract expired on June 30 but he remained in talks with the Red Devils for an extended stay at the club.

However, De Gea has now announced his departure via a post on social media.

David De Gea |Pulsesports.ng
David De Gea has the record for the most appearances for a goalkeeper in United's history.

“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here,” he said. “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.”

“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.”

David De Gea is officially a free agent after his contract with Manchester United expired this summer

“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.”

“Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all.

Manchester United's Erik Ten Hag is backing his goalkeeper David De Gea.
Manchester United's Erik Ten Hag and David De Gea (Sportimage) Manchester United vs Wolves

United manager Erik Ten Hag had been vocal about his wish to keep the 31-year-old but remained in the hunt for a new first choice with Andre Onana closing in on a move.

With De Gea gone, United are expected to speed up the signing of Inter Milan’s Onana, who will be reunited with Ten Hag.

Manchester United are closing in on agreeing a fee for Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana

De Gea’s honours at United

De Gea leaves United as a club legend having made 545 appearances with 190 clean sheets, both club records for a goalkeeper.

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He won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League and two Carabao Cups. De Gea also won two Premier League golden gloves, four Players’ Player of the Year awards and a record four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Awards.

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