David de Gea has officially confirmed his departure from Manchester United, with the Spaniard not signing a new contract at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have made an official statement to confirm that David de Gea will not sign a new contract at Old Trafford. The long-serving Spaniard leaves after 12 years, setting numerous records at the Premier League club. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag paid his tribute to the 32-year-old following the announcement.
The Manchester United manager said, “It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United. To do it 545 times over 12 years is a special achievement, particularly in the goalkeeping position where every game puts you in the spotlight.”
“To have won Player of the Year awards from both the fans and his team-mates, each on four occasions, shows the level of his performance and he will always be remembered as one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the club.”
“I am personally grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution on the pitch during my first year at the club. All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career.”
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
David de Gea leaves Manchester United as a bonafide cult hero if not an all-time great. The Spanish international, who has 45 caps for his national side, made over 500 appearances for the Red Devils. And he garnered several honours during his 12-year stay at Manchester United.
The 32-year-old kept 190 clean sheets, the most for any Manchester United goalkeeper. In addition, de Gea has two Premier League Golden Glove awards, a record four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards (voted by fans), and four Players’ Player of the Year awards. And his second Golden Glove came in his last season with Manchester United.
For several months, it seemed the long-serving Spaniard would sign a new contract with Manchester United. But de Gea lost favour in the Manchester United camp following a few calamitous performances. And his departure is now official, which ends his stay of over a decade at Old Trafford.
The veteran goalkeeper’s next destination is unclear following his exit. But recent reports have linked de Gea with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. And it will be interesting to see where the long-serving Spaniard continues his career. But the method of his departure from Manchester United will leave a sour taste after the Red Devils went back on their original offer.
