David de Gea has confirmed his departure from Manchester United this summer, stating that the time has come for him to take on a new challenge in his career.
The goalkeeper was unable to reach an agreement on a new contract extension at Old Trafford and will depart the club 12 years after signing from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
De Gea was on the verge of signing a new contract until discussions broke down at the conclusion of the season. According to ESPN, United is in talks with Inter Milan over the sale of Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.
“I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,” De Gea said on Twitter on Saturday.
“I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the love I’ve received over the last 12 years.” We’ve accomplished much since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me here.
“I felt tremendous pride every time I put on this shirt; to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world, was an honor bestowed upon only a few fortunate footballers.”
“It’s been an unforgettable and fruitful time since I arrived here.” I never imagined that we would achieve what we did together when I left Madrid as a young child.
“Now is the time to take on a new challenge, to push myself in new environments.”
“Manchester will always have a special place in my heart; it shaped me and will never leave me.” We’ve seen everything.”
De Gea made 545 games for United, ranking eighth on the club’s all-time list, and was a Sir Alex Ferguson’s team member that won the Premier League title in 2012-13. In addition, he won the FA Cup in 2016, the Carabao Cup in 2017 and 2023, and the Europa League in 2017.
Manager Erik ten Hag stated in a club statement posted immediately after De Gea’s declaration on Saturday: “It takes great quality and character to even play one game for Manchester United.”
“To do it 545 times in 12 years is a special accomplishment, especially in goalkeeping, where every game puts you in the spotlight.” To have received Player of the year honors from both the fans and his colleagues four times demonstrates the level of his performance, and he will consistently be recognized as one of the club’s finest goalkeepers.
“I am grateful to him for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season, as well as his overall contribution on the field during my first year at the club.”
“All of the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career.”
