TheCable

David De Gea has confirmed his exit from Manchester United after 12 years at the club.

The Spaniard announced his departure in a post on his Twitter page on Saturday.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford ran out at the end of June, which sees him leave the club as a free agent.

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

“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.”

De Gea joined United in 2011, made 545 appearances, and kept 190 clean sheets.