Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has sent a heartfelt message to Juan Mata after it was announced that the midfielder would be leaving Old Trafford.
Mata joined for a then-club record of £37.1million in January 2014 from Chelsea. The 34-year-old won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his time in Manchester, starting in all three finals.
However, Mata failed to break into the first team on a regular basis last season making just 12 appearances for the club and with his contract expiring at the end of this month, the decision was made for the Spaniard to leave United. One player who has represented the Reds and Spain alongside Mata is De Gea and he took to Instagram to share a tribute to his teammate.
ALSO READ: Manchester United confirm Juan Mata departure
De Gea said: "Thought this would be a very difficult one to express into words but when I thought about it more, the main feeling I am left with is happiness. This guy has been a teammate, a friend and is my family.
"The ultimate professional, one of the best players and people you could have grace your life. I’m so thankful to have been on so many journeys with you, happy that our paths crossed, and we shared a dressing room together.
"I love you my brother, I wish you everything and absolutely nothing but joy and success in your next stage of an unbelievable career." In total, Mata made 285 appearances for United, scoring 51 goals and grabbing 47 assists.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
