Goalkeeper David De Gea has confirmed he will no longer be a Manchester United player.
The Spanish shot-stopper has faced an uncertain future after his contract expired at the end of last month.
Although United are reported to have offered the veteran a new deal, after withdrawing it and returning with an even lower offer, De Gea, 32, has understandably made the decision not to commit – something he has since personally confirmed.
Posting on social media to his nearly 15 million followers, United’s former number one, said: “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 everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.
“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together. Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.”
De Gea, who has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, played in 545 games for United. The 32-year-old kept 190 clean sheets and won eight major trophies, including the 2012-13 Premier League and last season’s Carabao Cup under Erik Ten Hag.
The European’s announcement comes at the same time the Red Devils are closing in on a deal to sign Inter Milan’s Andre Onana.
A sad day for MU in my opinion but one we knew might happen. A “couple” mistakes stand out but to me he saved our bacon more then a few times this past season. A GREAT player over these past 12 years. All the best from an Edmonton, Alberta, Canada fan.
Too pitty for me to hear
Poor, MUFC, very poor.
We once had more class than this – reneging on a deal in order to offer less money. Good luck to DDG, we won’t forget the many times you were the only United player able to hold their head up after a game.
Am wishing all the best my legend
We will always remember you
We love u
This is sad. letting your best player leave for free. He still has about 5 years in him to stay at the top.
Someone must be held accountable. HEADS MUST ROLL IMO.