David de Gea has confirmed he has left Manchester United after his contract expired last week.
The 32-year-old wrote on his social media channels: "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 everytime 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.
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"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 from Atletico Madrid at the age of 20 in 2011 in a £18.9million deal and he won the Premier League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the Europa League. The Spaniard was also voted the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year on four occasions.
The former Spain international made a club-record 545 appearances for a goalkeeper and kept 190 clean sheets.
United held prolonged discussions with De Gea over a new deal and there was confidence on both sides of an agreement as recently as May.
However, there was a shift from United on De Gea's position after an error-laden run-in when his mistakes contributed to defeats to Sevilla, West Ham United and Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The MEN revealed in May there were doubts over De Gea's No.1 status at United next season and senior figures at the club wanted to move on from the Spaniard. United started exploring options to sign a new first-choice 'keeper last month.
United are already at an advanced stage to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana after De Gea's contract expired last week.
United manager Erik ten Hag paid tribute to De Gea: “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.
"To have won player of the year awards from both the fans and his teammates, 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.”
United football director John Murtough added: “David leaves Manchester United with the deepest respect and warmest appreciation of everyone associated with the club.
"To have set new club records for goalkeeper appearances and clean sheets, surpassing Alex Stepney and Peter Schmeichel, respectively, shows just how great a player he has been for us.
"Just as important are his qualities as a person, and he will be missed by all of us who have had the privilege of working with him over the past 12 years.
"David will always be part of the Manchester United family and we look forward to welcoming him back to Old Trafford in future as a legend of the club.”
