Manchester United goalkeeper and Spanish international David de Gea announced on Saturday that he will be departing the club after 12 seasons at Old Trafford. It was confirmed that he will leave as a free agent.
The 32-year-old veteran's contract came to an end with The Reds in June. Despite talks between the player and the club, there was no confirmation of a renewal.
De Gea arrived to United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, making 545 appearance for the English Premier League club, securing 190 clean sheets, which is a record for a keeper.
De Gea, while taking to social media, thanked the fans of the club for their support saying that it was time for him to push new boundaries.
There were reports that the goalkeeper had signed a new contract with the club, only for the latter to withdraw the offer and return with reduced terms.
“I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years,” De Gea wrote. “We’ve achieved a lot since my dear 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’ve seen it all,” he added.
Erik Ten Hag, current manager of Manchester United, spoke highly of de Gea, who won the Premier League golden glove award last season.
“It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United,” Ten Hag said. “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."
