David de Gea confirms Manchester United exit with emotional message to fans and ‘dear Sir Alex’

David de Gea has announced that he’s leaving Manchester United after 12 years at the club.

The Spaniard, whose contract expired at the end of June, released a statement via social media on Saturday thanking United fans for their “unwavering gratitude and appreciation”, attaching several photos from across his lengthy spell as the club’s No. 1 goalkeeper.

“I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,” De Gea began. “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.”

Hundreds of United fans rushed to the comments section to thank the 32-year-old, who departs having made 545 appearances for the club.

“Thank you for everything David. A true servant of the club. Good luck in your next chapter. Always Untied” one person tweeted. A second said: “Recent form aside, you leave a Manchester United club legend.”

A third added: “Thank you for everything Dave. Good luck with everything. You’ve been an ever present for the last 12 years, gonna be weird to see a new number 1.”