David de Gea confirms Manchester United exit after contract expiry ...

David de Gea and Manchester United have confirmed the goalkeeper’s exit from the club.

The 32-year-old’s contract at United expired in June and, despite a period of negotiations over several months, he was unable to come to an agreement with the club to extend his stay.

United see De Gea’s exit as a way to evolve the squad and are looking at several options to fill the No 1 spot in Erik ten Hag’s squad, including Inter Milan’s Andre Onana and Dean Henderson, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

United are continuing their negotiations with Inter for Onana but a potential deal is expected to be several days away yet.

De Gea, who joined the club in 2011 from Atletico Madrid, announced his departure on social media on Saturday, saying goodbye to United fans and thanking them for their support over the years.

He said: “I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters. 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.

“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. 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.

“Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all.”

GO DEEPER

The David de Gea contract saga is messy - but far from unusual for United

De Gea leaves United having made 545 appearances in total for the club, keeping 190 clean sheets and winning eight trophies, including the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup.

United’s vice-captain Bruno Fernandes immediately took to social media to recognise De Gea’s contributions to the team, writing: “You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories.

“You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten, and that no one can’t (sic) take away from you. All the best for what’s coming for you and your family.”

Ten Hag issued a statement on the United website, congratulating de Gea on his United career and wishing him well for the future.

Ten Hag said: “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 personally grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution on the pitch 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.”

(Photo: Getty Images)