Roughly one week after his contract at Manchester United expired, it has been confirmed that David de Gea has left the club following lengthy contract negotiations.
De Gea was the last remaining player from the Sir Alex Ferguson era but now, 12 years after joining the club from Atletico Madrid, he will embark on a new chapter in his career.
The 32-year-old confirmed that he had left the club on his social media channels, thanking the supporters as he wished the club well going forward.
Once his departure was made public, the Spaniard was flooded with tributes as supporters made their feelings towards the veteran known. His former Manchester United team-mates also made sure to shower the legend with praise.
Casemiro, who only played alongside De Gea for one season, got the ball rolling with a heartfelt message on Twitter.
🙌 David, my mate !! You made history with @ManUtd. You will always be a Red Devil, and these fans will continue to support you wherever your next challenge leads you. You will always be one of us 🔴 . My best wishes! pic.twitter.com/eMYygvXuvJ
— Casemiro (@Casemiro) July 8, 2023
“David, my mate!” he wrote on Twitter. “You made history with (Manchester United).
“You will always be a Red Devil, and these fans will continue to support you wherever your next challenge leads you. You will always be one of us. My best wishes!”
Alejandro Garnacho took to Instagram to bid his farewells: “I’m going to miss you so much. You deserve all the best,” he said.
Marcus Rashford kept it short on sweet on Instagram, captioning a photo from the winger’s memorable debut season with the following: “You were here from my breakthrough, good luck with your next step brother.”
Bruno Fernandes, believed to be one of De Gea’s closest friends at the club, suggested that De Gea deserves to be given a proper send-off in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
“You know what I think about you and how much I will miss you bro,” Fernandes wrote on Instagram.
“You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories,” he added.
“You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten, and that no one can’t take away from you. All the best for whats coming for you and your family.”
De Gea leaves United as one of the modern greats of the club, departing with several Player of the Year awards and countless records to his name.
His final campaign saw him overtake Peter Schmeichel as the holder of most clean sheets for the club and it’s highly unlikely that anyone will be taking that off him anytime soon.
