Jesse Lingard’s 22-year stay at Manchester United has come to an end, with the 29-year-old set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month.
Manchester United confirmed Lingard’s departure earlier on Wednesday, with the midfielder becoming the fifth player to officially leave on a free transfer after Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic and Lee Grant did the same.
Now, Lingard has posted his own farewell statement on Instagram, paired with an emotional video showcasing his best highlights for the senior side.
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“Over the last few weeks I’ve been emotional leaving a club that is family,” Lingard wrote. “After 22 years I’ve had so many special memories and moments that I will cherish forever.
“I’m a red through and through and Manchester United will always remain in my heart. Thank you to the players I’ve played with over the years I’ve made friends for life and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way.
“I want to say a big thank you to the coaches that I have worked under from the age of 9 to present. Each coach has helped me in many different ways and I appreciate the way each coach believed in me and taught me something different .
“A massive thank you to all the staff behind the scenes from dinner ladies to the cleaners to the kitmen because everyone has played a role in where I am today.
“It’s been emotional but to end on a high which has been your favourite celebration? Lots of love jlingz,” he signed off.
Lingard made his first-team debut for United in 2014 ande made 232 appearances in total, scoring 35 goals. He scored in three separate finals for United, with goals against Crystal Palace, Leicester and Southampton helping United on their way to a treble of trophies over two seasons.
He has been linked with a move back to West Ham, where he resurrected his career, but clubs in Italy are also believed to be interested in signing him.