Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes seems to have taken a subtle dig at those at the top of the club hierarchy within his farewell message for David de Gea.
The Spanish goalkeeper confirmed he has left the Red Devils after 12 years of service, but some have deemed it a shame that De Gea was forced to say his goodbyes on Twitter rather than at Old Trafford. This is because when the league season ended, his future was still in limbo and the shot-stopper being given a contract extension seemed a realistic possibility.
However, six weeks after the curtain closed on the campaign, it has now been confirmed that De Gea's time as a United player has come to an end after the shot-stopper announced his exit himself.
Taking to social media, De Gea wrote: "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 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.
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"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."
Once news of his exit had broken, tributes poured in but the one from Fernandes was perhaps the most notable given it was lathered in frustration. The Portugal international wrote: "You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories.
"You made history at the club and your name will not be forgotten, and no one can take that away from you."
Manager Erik ten Hag is believed to have lost faith in De Gea as his long-term number one at the back end of last season after high-profile errors against West Ham, Sevilla and Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Despite that, the Dutchman also heaped praise on De Gea after his exit was confirmed.
"It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United," Ten Hag explained. "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.
"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."
