David De Gea Departs Old Trafford

David de Gea Dumps Man Utd: 

Man Utd goal tender, David de Gea, 32, has turned on the club after twelve years of service to Old Trafford club. 

The Spain international and former Athletics mandrid Spain goalkeeper made the announcement via his social media on Saturday. 

"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," de Gea wrote.

"I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years," he added.

De Gea who joined Man Utd in 2011, now leaves as a free agent haven failed to secure a renewal of his contract which expired in June. 

Since joining Old Trafford from Athletico Madrid, de Gea made 545 appearances for Utd, going ahead to break the club's cleansheet record set by former goal keeper, Peter Schmeichel. 

In his farewell speech, de Gea recalled his moment after joining Utd following invitation by sir Alex Ferguson. The moments, he noted, were of pride. 

"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."

'Manchester will always be in my heart'

"It's been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here," he said.

"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."

Meanwhile, team manager, Ten Hag, who has been pushing for a new goal tender for the club, has paid glowing tribute to De Gea following the announcement. According to him, de Gea will always be remembered for his level of performance, which he said, had 'quality and character'. 

"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.

"Take a look at the best Premier League saves from Manchester United legends Peter Schmeichel and David De Gea after the Spaniard broke the club's clean sheet record.

"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 manager said.