David De Gea exits Manchester United after 12 years

David De Gea has announced his departure from the club. This move brings to a close his illustrious 12-year tenure at Old Trafford.

Since transferring from Atlético Madrid in 2011, De Gea made an impressive 545 appearances for Manchester United and kept 190 clean sheets. Both of these are club records for a goalkeeper, underscoring his significant contribution to the team.

Over his career at Manchester United, De Gea clinched several major titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League and two Carabao Cups.

His individual accolades are equally impressive, bagging 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.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, expressed his admiration for De Gea's contribution to the club.

"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," he stated.

Ten Hag further recognized De Gea's incredible consistency, noting, "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."

John Murtough, Football Director at Manchester United, echoed Ten Hag's sentiments. He acknowledged the high regard De Gea has earned among his colleagues. "David leaves Manchester United with the deepest respect and warmest appreciation of everyone associated with the club. To have set new club records for goalkeeper appearances and clean sheets, surpassing Alex Stepney and Peter Schmeichel respectively, shows just how great a player he has been for us."

Murtough also paid tribute to De Gea's personal qualities.

"Just as important are his qualities as a person, and he will be missed by all of us who have had the privilege of working with him over the past 12 years. David will always be part of the Manchester United family and we look forward to welcoming him back to Old Trafford in future as a legend of the club."

De Gea took to Instagram to personally express his sentiments over his departure. In a heartfelt message to Manchester United supporters, De Gea shared his deep gratitude and appreciation for the past 12 years with the club.

"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," De Gea began his post.

"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."

The Spanish goalkeeper reflected on his journey and the pride he felt representing Manchester United.

"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."

De Gea acknowledged the unforgettable period he had with the club and the unexpected success that was achieved together since leaving Madrid as a young boy.

"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."

He confirmed that he felt the time was right for a new challenge, to push himself again in new surroundings. However, Manchester will always hold a special place in his heart.

"Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all."