David de Gea Leaves Manchester United After 12 Years: Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford Pay Tribute
Manchester United legend David de Gea has left Old Trafford after 12 years with the club, and his former team-mates have been quick to pay tribute to the Spaniard. Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford have both expressed their sadness at the departure of the 32-year-old goalkeeper, who made 545 appearances for the Red Devils and won four Player of the Year awards.
De Gea confirmed on Saturday that he is leaving United this summer, saying it was the “right time to undertake a new challenge”. The Spaniard had been in talks with the club over a new deal for several months, but a contract extension failed to materialise.
Mata, who played alongside De Gea for three years at Manchester United, said he “doesn’t want to believe” the goalkeeper will not be at Old Trafford next season.
“The amount of times that you saved us… Always professional, always sticking up for the club you love, your home. You deserve the best. Sad day for Manchester United. Legend,” Mata wrote on social media.
Rashford, meanwhile, said: “You were here from my breakthrough, good luck with your next step brother.”
De Gea was inconsistent last season, attracting criticism for some high-profile mistakes despite winning the Golden Glove award. But United boss Erik ten Hag paid tribute to the Spaniard’s “special achievement” of making 545 appearances for the club.
“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,” Ten Hag said.
De Gea said he was “incredibly proud” of his time at Manchester United and thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for bringing him to Old Trafford. “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 bestows upon a few lucky footballers,” he said.
The Spaniard added that Manchester will “always be in my heart” and that he is looking forward to his “next step”. De Gea has not yet revealed his future plans, but speculation is rife that he could be set for a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
As De Gea departs Manchester United after 12 years of service, his former team-mates have wished him well for his next chapter. Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford have both paid tribute to the Spaniard, who made 545 appearances for the Red Devils and won four Player of the Year awards. De Gea will always be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, and his departure marks a sad day for Old Trafford.