"We've seen it all" - David de Gea confirms Manchester United exit as he pens emotional farewell letter to fans
David de Gea has confirmed that he's leaving Manchester United, in an emotional address to fans on Twitter.
The Spanish goalkeeper's future at Old Trafford has been in doubt after his contract expired on June 30. The 32-year-old held talks with the Red Devils about a potential renewal but they has decided to part ways.
De Gea confirmed his departure with an emotional message to Manchester United fans:
"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters."
The Spaniard touched on the support of fans during his 12-year stay at Old Trafford and also what he has accomplished in that period:
"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."
De Gea added that he didn't foresee the success he and the Red Devils would go on to achieve after leaving Atletico Madrid for United in 2011:
"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."
He concluded by telling fans that the club will always be in his heart:
"Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We've seen it all."
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… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/6R7ezOEf1E
De Gea will go down as a Manchester United legend after 12 memorable seasons at Old Trafford. He made 545 appearances across competitions, keeping 190 clean sheets. He won the club's Player of the Year award a joint record four times.
The Spaniard is regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in Premier League history. He recently Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel's all-time record of clean sheets for the club.
He was lured to United by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 from Atletico for £17 million. He has won the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup twice at Old Trafford.
Manchester United look set to replace De Gea with Andre Onana
Manchester United are moving closer to sealing the signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Red Devils are set to table a third offer for Onana that reaches €50 million (£42.7 million). That's likely to convince the Nerazzurri to sell the Cameroonian.
Erik ten Hag has targeted Onana and with good reason, given he coached him previously at Ajax. The 27-year-old was in fine form last season for Inter, keeping 19 clean sheets in 41 games across competitions.
Onana is one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers around and will suit Ten Hag's system. That's believed to be a key reason why the Dutch tactician has been willing to part with De Gea as he has doubts over his capabilities in possession.