Former Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal has admitted that he looks back on his Old Trafford career with a sense of pride after sealing a move to FC Utrecht earlier this week.
Iqbal, who joined United at the age of just nine-years-old, sealed a permanent switch to the Dutch outfit on Monday, putting pen to paper on a four-year contract. It is understood that he has joined Utrecht for a fee of around £850,000.
The Iraq international was expected to leave United on loan this summer, as opposed to leaving on a permanent deal. He failed to make a single first-team appearance in the whole of the 2022/23 campaign, despite catching the eye during last summer's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
However, Iqbal, speaking in a separate interview, admitted that he felt the time was right to seal a permanent exit from Old Trafford. And despite his time at the club featuring just one senior appearance, he has reflected positively on his time at the club.
READ MORE: United face three key dates ahead of possible takeover
"It was amazing, but all good things must come to an end," Iqbal told Sky Sports. "I look back at what I've done at United and I'm proud.
"Not many people can say they've played for United and I've definitely fulfilled a childhood dream. Good things come to an end and now I'm just looking forward to the future and becoming a better person and player.
"I feel like this step is going to help me do that."
Iqbal made his one and only first-team appearance for United in the latter stages of a 1-1 draw with BSC Young Boys in the Champions League in December 2021. Awarded his debut by former Reds interim manager Ralf Rangnick, Iqbal stepped off the bench to replace Jesse Lingard with 89 minutes on the clock.
Reflecting on that moment, the midfielder added: "It was surreal, waiting on the touchline to come on for the last few minutes. To play for United, one of the biggest clubs in the world and obviously my childhood club, was a very, very, very proud moment for me, my friends and my family.
"They were all there watching it live at the stadium. Like I said, I'm very happy about that but now we look forward to the future."
