David De Gea has left Manchester United, the goalkeeper announced.
The 32-year-old’s contract with United expired at the end of June, with no new deal agreed despite talks that took place throughout the season.
“I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,” De Gea 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. 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 bestowed upon a few lucky footballers.
“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,” he added.
De Gea has played over 500 times for United since his arrival in 2011
“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here,” De Gea added in his farewell statement.
“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,” he stated.
United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly been pushing to sign a new goalkeeper in this transfer window, with a deal for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana said to be close.
The Dutchman paid tribute to the departing De Gea, who won the Premier League’s golden glove last season.
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.
