David de Gea parts ways with Manchester United after his contract expires

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Free agent David de Gea has announced his departure from Manchester United after 12 years with the club. </p>

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The 32-year-old's contract with United expired at the end of June, with no new deal agreed despite talks that took place throughout the season. </p>

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In a message on social media, De Gea thanked United fans for their support, but said: "Now, it's the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings." </p>

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When De Gea's contract expired last Friday, United said they remained in talks with the Spain goalkeeper. </p>

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That followed reports that De Gea had signed a contract extension only for the club to withdraw that offer and come back with reduced terms. </p>

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De Gea wrote: "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. </p>

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"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. </p>

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"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. </p>

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"Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We've seen it all." </p>

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United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly been pushing to sign a new goalkeeper in this transfer window, with a deal for Inter Milan's Andre Onana said to be close. </p>

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The Dutchman paid tribute to the departing De Gea, who won the Premier League's golden glove last season. </p>

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Ten Hag said: "It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United. </p>

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"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. </p>

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"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. </p>

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"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. </p>

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"All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career." </p>

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<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/david-gea-parts-ways-manchester-united-after-contract-expires">David de Gea parts ways with Manchester United after his contract expires </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>