By Victor Kanayo
Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea on Saturday officially announced his exit from Manchester United after 12 years of stay.
De Gea revealed his intention to quit the Red Devils in an emotional farewell message via his Twitter handle.
Exit Alert
He wrote, “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.”
The rumour of De Gea’s United departure this summer has been on.
United Confirmation
The Premier League giant club, up for sale, has also confirmed De Gea’s departure from Old Trafford.
United have been repeatedly linked with signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan as De Gea’s replacement.
De Gea Appearances
The 32-year-old who has 45 senior appearances for Spain to his name, was signed back in 2011 by Sir Alex Ferguson from his boyhood club, Atletico Madrid.
He played 545 times with 190 clean sheets for United with trophies to glory for.
He won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League and two Carabao Cups while at the club.