Manchester United's goalkeeper, David de Gea, states his departure from the club after a twelve-year tenure at Old Trafford.

David de Gea leaves Manchester United after 12 seasons as a free agent.

In a surprising announcement, veteran goalkeeper David de Gea has revealed that he will be leaving Manchester United as a free agent after spending 12 seasons at Old Trafford. The 32-year-old's contract with the club expired at the end of June, and despite ongoing talks throughout the season, no new deal was agreed upon.

De Gea, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, leaves behind an impressive legacy, having made 545 appearances for the Premier League club. During his time at United, he achieved 190 clean sheets, setting records for the club in both categories.

Taking to social media to express his gratitude, De Gea thanked the United fans for their unwavering support. However, he also stated that he believes it is the right time to embark on a new challenge and push himself in new surroundings.

United, on their official website, bid farewell to De Gea, acknowledging his contributions and referring to him as a "record breaker." The club highlighted his numerous trophies and personal accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in their history.

Prior to the expiration of his contract, United had been in talks with De Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper has had a successful career at the club, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and two League Cups. However, reports emerged suggesting that he had initially agreed to a contract extension, only for the club to retract the offer and return with reduced terms.

In light of De Gea's departure, United has been linked with a potential move for Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana. The search for a suitable replacement is underway as they look to fill the void left by the departing goalkeeper.

In his farewell message, De Gea expressed his deep appreciation for the love and support he received over the past 12 years. He credited former manager Sir Alex Ferguson for bringing him to the club and acknowledged the impact that Manchester has had on his life, stating that it will always hold a special place in his heart.

United manager Erik ten Hag paid tribute to De Gea, recognizing the goalkeeper's exceptional achievements during his time at the club. He emphasized the level of quality and character required to play for Manchester United, especially in the spotlight of the goalkeeping position. Ten Hag praised De Gea's performance and acknowledged him as one of the best goalkeepers in the club's history.

As De Gea bids farewell to Manchester United, his departure marks the end of an era. His contributions and achievements will be remembered by fans and teammates alike, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the club's all-time greats.

[Source: AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports]

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