David de Gea confirms he is leaving Man United to 'seek a new challenge' after 12 years... as Erik ten Hag sends best wishes despite U-turn on a new contract that led to messy exit
David de Gea has confirmed he is leaving Manchester United with team-mates shocked at the manner of his departure after 12 years at the club.
The 32-year-old’s contract expired at the end of June but he had remained in talks up until last week. But with Erik ten Hag clearly looking for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana to become his new number one, De Gea decided it was best to seek a new club, with offers on the table from the Saudi Pro League.
De Gea said: ‘Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge to push myself again in new surroundings.
‘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.’
United had spent several months in negotiations with De Gea, whose 190 clean sheets are a club record, but ultimately Ten Hag wanted a goalkeeper who was more adept with his feet. He leaves without the farewell he would have wished for: in front of a packed Old Trafford.
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Captain Bruno Fernandes underlined that sentiment on social media and posted: ‘You deserved to say goodbye to the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories.’
De Gea, who played 545 times for the club, is a four-time United player of the year and claimed the Premier League Golden Glove for a second time last season as he kept 17 clean sheets.
Although the club say no formal contract was offered, it is understood the framework of a contract extension that had initially been agreed between United and De Gea was not signed off by Ten Hag, who had reservations, and that led to both sides stepping back.
United have subsequently opened discussions with Inter for Onana, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax.
Though a formal bid has yet to be made for the Cameroonian, one is expected this week while United need Inter to compromise on their £51.5million asking price.
United are also expected to sell Dean Henderson to Nottingham Forest later in the window.
In an emotional message, De Gea addressed supporters, saying: ‘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.
‘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.
‘Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all.’
Ten Hag paid tribute to De Gea, saying: ‘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 grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution 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.’
United remain in discussions with Atalanta over a deal for striker Rasmus Hojlund which may see a player going in the opposite direction for the Denmark star, who the Italians rate at £86m.
United are willing to listen to offers for a number of players, with Donny van de Beek and Fred attracting enquiries.
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