As good a shot-stopper De Gea was at Old Trafford, he was not known for his ball-playing ability. Hence, the departure makes sense for both parties.
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Longtime Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea will leave the Red Devils this summer following a trophy-filled stay at Old Trafford. It was not come as a huge surprise for many people, as they were able to see it coming. With De Gea’s contract expiring this summer and the team not tying him up to a new one on time raised a few alarms. On top of it, Man United’s strong links with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana convinced many that De Gea’s days at Old Trafford might very well be over.
Not to mention that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was unable to play his style of football by playing the ball from the back with David De Gea in goal. As good a shot-stopper De Gea was, he was not known for his ball-playing ability. Hence, the departure makes sense for both parties. David has registered a total of 545 appearances for United and managed 190 clean sheets. They both are club record for goalkeepers.
De Gea took to Twitter to post a farewell message to the club supporters. “My farewell message to all Manchester United supporters is extremely difficult to write. I want 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 and gave me the opportunity to wear this badge. 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 bestowed upon a few lucky footballers,” De Gea, who joined from Atletico Madrid in 2011, wrote.
“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, new beginnings. Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. This club, Old Trafford and our incredible supporters will forever be in my heart. We’ve seen it all.”
Meanwhile, Manager Erik ten Hag only had good words to describe De Gea’s time at Old Trafford. “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,” he was quoted as saying by the club’s website.
“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. 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. All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career.”
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