Goalkeeper David de Gea (C) of Manchester United poses with his teammates and the Golden Glove trophy after their 2-1 win over Fulham FC during the Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, May 28, 2023. /CFP
Goalkeeper David de Gea (C) of Manchester United poses with his teammates and the Golden Glove trophy after their 2-1 win over Fulham FC during the Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, May 28, 2023. /CFP
David De Gea has left Manchester United following the end of his contract, with the Spanish goalkeeper penning a farewell message to the Premier League club's fans on Saturday after 12 seasons with the Old Trafford side.
De Gea's contract expired on June 30 but at the time the club said they were still in discussions with the 32-year-old shot-stopper over an extension.
The Spaniard, who joined United in 2011 when Alex Ferguson was manager, was the current squad's longest-serving player having made nearly 550 appearances.
"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," De Gea wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Goalkeeper David de Gea of Manchester United punches the ball away during the Europa League knockout round play-off match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, February 16, 2023. /CFP
Goalkeeper David de Gea of Manchester United punches the ball away during the Europa League knockout round play-off match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, February 16, 2023. /CFP
De Gea won the Premier League in his second season with the club – Ferguson's last as manager – while he also won the League Cup, Football Association Cup and Europa League.
He also won the Golden Glove for most clean sheets in a season twice, the second coming in the 2022-23 campaign as United finished third and qualified for the Champions League.
But the four-time club player of the year had come under the spotlight for shortcomings and errors in recent years.
The former Atletico Madrid keeper was one of the highest-paid players at United according to British media, but he has not featured for Spain since 2020.
United have been linked with a move for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
"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," De Gea said.
"Now, it's the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings."
South Korea's Lee Kang-in (C) fights for the ball against El Salvador's Bryan Tamacasn (L) during their friendly match in Daejeon, South Korea, June 20, 2023. /CFP
South Korea's Lee Kang-in (C) fights for the ball against El Salvador's Bryan Tamacasn (L) during their friendly match in Daejeon, South Korea, June 20, 2023. /CFP
South Korea international Lee Kang-in has joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Real Mallorca on a five-year contract, the two clubs said on Saturday.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who spent two years with the La Liga side, made 73 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists.
"It's incredible to be able to join Paris Saint-Germain, it's one of the biggest clubs in the world, with some of the greatest players in the world. I can't wait to start this new adventure," Lee said in a statement.
Lee Kang-in (L) of Mallorca competes for the ball with Fran Garcia of Rayo Vallecano during their La Liga match in Mallorca, Spain, June 4, 2023. /CFP
Lee Kang-in (L) of Mallorca competes for the ball with Fran Garcia of Rayo Vallecano during their La Liga match in Mallorca, Spain, June 4, 2023. /CFP
PSG's fourth new signing joins midfielder Manuel Ugarte, central defender Milan Skriniar and striker Marco Asensio.
The French club also signed former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique after sacking coach Christophe Galtier earlier this week.
(With input from Reuters)