David De Gea Bids Farewell to Manchester United After 12 Years
In a heartfelt farewell message, David De Gea has confirmed his departure from Manchester United after spending 12 successful years at the club. The Spanish goalkeeper, who joined United in 2011 from Atletico Madrid, leaves behind a legacy of winning the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup.
De Gea’s contract with Manchester United expired this summer, and there were discussions about him taking a pay cut to stay with the club. However, as United closes in on signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan, De Gea has officially said his goodbyes. In a social media post, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the love he received from the fans during his time at the club.
During his tenure at Old Trafford, De Gea played a pivotal role in the team’s success. He mentioned Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought him to the club, and expressed his pride in representing the biggest club in the world. De Gea acknowledged that leaving Real Madrid as a young boy, he never imagined achieving what he did with Manchester United.
Now, the time has come for De Gea to embark on a new challenge and push himself in new surroundings. While he leaves Manchester United, he assures that the city will always hold a special place in his heart and that it has shaped him as a person.
The announcement of De Gea’s departure garnered an outpouring of support from United fans. Many thanked him for his contributions over the past 12 years and wished him luck at his next club. The goalkeeper’s journey at United was not always smooth sailing, as he initially struggled with the physicality of the Premier League. However, he quickly established himself as United’s number one goalkeeper and became one of the best in the world.
De Gea came close to joining Real Madrid in 2015, but a paperwork error prevented the transfer from happening. Instead, he signed a new contract with United and even captained the team during that season. Throughout his career at Old Trafford, De Gea was named the club’s Player of the Year four times, winning the award three consecutive times from 2013 to 2016.
Last season, De Gea’s form dipped as he entered the final year of his contract. He had agreed to a wage cut from £375,000 to £200,000 per week, although a formal agreement was never signed, making him a free agent. Manchester United requested that De Gea hold off joining a new club while they considered their options. However, with the imminent transfer of Andre Onana from Inter Milan, it seems United will have a new number one goalkeeper.
As United bids farewell to David De Gea, they reflect on his immense contributions to the club’s success over the past 12 years. His departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of the best goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history will forever be remembered.