David De Gea joined Man Utd from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and went on to make 545 appearances – the most by a goalkeeper in the club’s history; De Gea broke Peter Schmeichel’s club clean sheets record last season, during which he also won the Premier League Golden Glove.
The Spanish goalkeeper leaves Old Trafford as a free agent after 12 seasons at the club.
De Gea revealed his exit on social media, writing: “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 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 bestowed upon a few lucky footballers.
Erik ten Hag retained De Gea as his No 1 after arriving from Ajax last summer, with the goalkeeper earning the Golden Glove award for most clean sheets in the Premier League last season.
Ten Hag said of the 32-year-old: “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.”
Bruno Fernandes also paid tribute to De Gea, writing on Instagram: “You know what I think about you and how much I will miss you.
“You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories.
“You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten. No one can take that away from you.
“All the best for what’s coming for you and your family.”
De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and went on to make 545 appearances – the most by any goalkeeper in the club’s history.
De Gea also broke Peter Schmeichel’s United record for clean sheets last season and leaves Old Trafford with a total of 190 shutouts in all competitions.
The 45-cap Spain international won five major trophies during his 12 years with United, including the Premier League in 2013 and the Europa League in 2017.
Source: Sky Sports
