David de Gea has confirmed he has left Manchester United after 12 years at the club.
The goalkeeper’s contract expired at the end of June but had been in talks over an extension, believed to involve a pay cut.
It was also not guaranteed that he would remain as No 1 at Old Trafford in light of the inconsistent form that has led United to target Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, while Dean Henderson – who has returned from his loan spell with Nottingham Forest – was in contention to replace him too.
In a farewell message posted to his social media accounts, De Gea said: “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 every time 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.”
A decision on De Gea’s future had been put on hold until after his recent wedding in Spain but it has long been understood that Erik ten Hag would seek to prioritise a new stopper this summer – even with United’s budget unclear due to the ongoing saga of the Glazers’ potential sale of the club.
“Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings,” De Gea added. “Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.”
During his time at United, De Gea won four major trophies, including the Premier League title, and was awarded the Premier League Golden Glove for the 2017-18 season. He made 339 appearances and was named the club’s Player of the Year on three occasions.
More to follow.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/WYb7c8t
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