David De Gea Departs Man United After 12 Years Stay At The Old Trafford Club.

Manchester United GoalKeeper, David de Gea has left the club ending his 12-years stay with the Red Devils.

De Gea becomes the last player from the Sir Alex Ferguson era to leave Man United, as he became a free agent after his contract had run out at the end of June.

No new deal was agreed for the 32-year-old, despite talks that took place throughout the season, as Man United were not comfortable with paying De Gea that extra chunk of money to keep him at Old Trafford for a year.

It is understood the framework of a contract extension that had initially been agreed between United and De Gea was subsequently changed.

De Gea has been at United for 12 years since joining from his boyhood club Atletico Madrid for £18.9m in 2011, and his 545 appearances and 190 clean sheets are club records for a keeper.

The Spain international broke Peter Schmeichel’s club clean sheets record while at the club in the 2022/23 season, during which he also won the Premier League Golden Glove.

He made more appearances in the PFA Team of the Year than any other goalkeeper in Premier League history (5).

Despite some of the amazing performances that De Gea has put in over the years and the number of times he won Player of the Season, he didn't have the best season in the season just gone.

"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," he wrote on social media.

"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... He added.

"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.

"Now, it's the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.

"Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.

"We've seen it all."🤘🏻❤️

Save after save. Match after match. If if it weren’t for David De Gea - Manchester United would have been finishing mid table for years.

Thank you, David De Gea 💪🏽❤️pic.twitter.com/FkvedrYWKL

— Isiah Madrigal (@Realisiah1) July 8, 2023

 

De Gea, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, won the Premier League, FA Cup, Uefa Europa League and two Carabao Cups while at United.

He is a four-time United player of the year winner and claimed the Premier League Golden Glove for a second time last season as he kept 17 clean sheets.

Manager Erik ten Hag 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."

The announcement of De Gea's departure comes with United being hopeful of concluding a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, which could be in the region of £45m (€52.5m) inclusive of add-ons.

The Serie A side's total valuation for their goalkeeper is £51m (€60m) and their public stance is he will remain at the club unless that figure is met.

United's opening bid of £38.5m (€45m) was duly rejected but sources close to the player believe there is a desire from all parties to reach a resolution before Onana is due to report for Inter's pre-season on July 13.

Onana on the other hand, has made clear his intention to move to Old Trafford and reunite with his former Ajax manager Ten Hag, who is driving the move for the 27-year-old.

However, United are also in the look out on other options, Justin Bijlow, David Raya and Diogo Costa have been among them, in case common ground with Inter cannot be found.