David De Gea Bids Farewell to Manchester United: Reflecting on 12 Memorable Seasons at Old Trafford

David De Gea Bids Farewell to Manchester United: Reflecting on 12 Memorable Seasons at Old Trafford

David De Gea Bids Farewell to Manchester United(Image-Getty)

 After the expiration of his contract, David De Gea said his goodbyes to Manchester United. The Spanish goalkeeper expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the club's fans following his 12-season tenure at Old Trafford.

Despite ongoing negotiations for a contract extension, De Gea's official departure from Manchester United took place on June 30. He originally joined the club in 2011 during Alex Ferguson's management and went on to become the longest-serving player in the current squad, amassing nearly 550 appearances.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, De Gea stated, "I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love I have received over the past 12 years. We have accomplished a great deal since Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club that I hold dear."

During his time at Manchester United, De Gea contributed to several triumphs, including winning the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League. He also received the prestigious Golden Glove award twice for recording the highest number of clean sheets in a season. The most recent recognition came during the 2022-23 campaign, where United secured a third-place finish and qualified for the Champions League.

Although De Gea faced criticism for his performances in recent years, he remained highly regarded and was among the highest-earning players at the club. However, he has not represented the Spanish national team since 2020.

Rumors have circulated regarding Manchester United's interest in signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Reflecting on his journey with the club, De Gea commented, "It has been an unforgettable and successful period since I arrived here. As a young boy leaving Madrid, I never imagined that together we would achieve what we did. Now, I believe it is the right time for me to embrace a new challenge and push myself further in a different environment.