Goalkeeper David de Gea Says Farewell to MU

Goalkeeper David de Gea has announced he will be leaving Manchester United (MU) 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 have lasted throughout the season.

De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and made 545 appearances for the Premier League club, including 190 clean sheets which is a club record for a goalkeeper.

De Gea thanked United fans for their support. “Now is the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in a new environment,” De Gea said in a post on his social media.

When De Gea’s contract expired last Friday, United said they were still in talks with the Spanish keeper.

That followed reports that De Gea had signed a contract extension only for the club to retract the offer and return on lower terms.

“I want to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love over the last 12 years,” De Gea wrote.

“We have achieved a lot since Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We have seen it all.”

MU coach, Erik ten Hag, paid tribute to the departed De Gea.

“It takes immense quality and character to get to the level of even playing one game for Manchester United. To do it 545 times over 12 years is a special achievement, especially in goalkeeping where every game puts you in the spotlight,” said Ten Hag,

“Winning the Player of the Year award from his fans and teammates on four occasions each, shows the level of his performances and he will always be remembered as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history,” he added.