De Gea leaves United after club withdraws from negotiations

David De Gea departs Manchester United after twelve years of service, reflecting on his fruitful stint and considering future career options

Manchester United and David De Gea have parted ways after twelve years. Where does the veteran shot-stopper go from here? (Photo credit: GOAL)

After twelve years of dedication and immense contribution, Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea has left Manchester United.

De Gea and Manchester United agreed on terms verbally two weeks ago, but when it was time for the ink to get on a blank sheet, the club withdrew their offer, and the long-serving goalkeeper was left in the cold without words or assurances.

De Gea described the development as "disturbing" when asked, but he’s full of gratitude for being able to represent a club of United’s stature as number one.

And he has eight trophies to show for it, including the league title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season and the Europa League under Jose Mourinho.

De Gea survived Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal, Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, and Ralph Ragnick.

He was ever-present in goal for Erik Ten Hag in the Dutchman’s debut season, one that produced the Carabao Cup.

De Gea wrote: "I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love of 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 honor only bestowed upon a few lucky footballers.

"It's been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn't think that by leaving Madrid as a young boy, we would achieve what we did together.

"Now is 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."

Where does De Gea go from here? He’s believed to have a huge offer from Saudi Arabia, but few clubs in the Spanish La Liga would be interested in him, as would the buzzing MLS, where Lionel Messi currently plays.

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… pic.twitter.com/6R7ezOEf1E

— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 8, 2023