Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has left Manchester United after over a decade at the club.
De Gea has been at United since 2013, when he joined from Atletico Madrid. He has been a key member of the club since his arrival and became the club’s record clean sheet holder this season.
However, he departs Old Trafford in controversial circumstances after running down his contract. Manchester United initially thought to extend his deal in Manchester beyond this summer and were in discussions with him until last week.
But with the club dragging their feet over the deal and Erik ten Hag clearly looking to sign Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, the 32-year-old decided to seek a new club, with offers on the table from the Saudi Pro League.
Announcing his departure, De Gea posted on social media:
“Now is the right time to undertake a new challenge to push myself again in new surroundings.
“I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’veWe’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club.”
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… pic.twitter.com/6R7ezOEf1E
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 8, 2023
Several members of the Man United squad reacted to De Gea’s departure, with Ten Hag hailing him for playing 545 games for the club.
However, the Spanish international leaves without the farewell he would have wished for: in front of a packed Old Trafford.
👕 415 #PL appearances
🧤 147 clean sheets
🏆 2012/13 PL title winnerDavid De Gea leaves as a @ManUtd legend 👏 pic.twitter.com/bPrV8pW9Sb
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 8, 2023
With his exit, Man United can now accelerate their interest in signing Onana, who Inter have valued at £50 million.
