David De Gea leaves Manchester United after 12 years
The Spanish goalkeeper was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011
David de Gea has announced he's left Manchester United after 12 years with the football club.
The Spanish goalkeeper's future has been uncertain since the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford.
Writing on social media, De Gea has said it's "the right time to undertake a new challenge".
Since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2011, David made 545 appearances for Manchester United with 190 clean sheets – both club records for a goalkeeper.
He won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League and two Carabao Cups.
His personal honours include two Premier League Golden Glove awards, a record four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards (voted by fans), and four Player’s Player of the Year awards.
Manchester United have released their own announcement, saying farewell to the Spaniard.
Erik ten Hag, First Team Manager, 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."
John Murtough, Football Director, said:
“David leaves Manchester United with the deepest respect and warmest appreciation of everyone associated with the club. To have set new club records for goalkeeper appearances and clean sheets, surpassing Alex Stepney and Peter Schmeichel respectively, shows just how great a player he has been for us.
“Just as important are his qualities as a person, and he will be missed by all of us who have had the privilege of working with him over the past 12 years. David will always be part of the Manchester United family and we look forward to welcoming him back to Old Trafford in future as a legend of the club.”