Juan Mata says David de Gea’s departure from Old Trafford represents a ‘sad day’ for Manchester United, while Marcus Rashford has wished his former team-mate well for his ‘next step’.
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De Gea confirmed on Saturday that he is leaving United this summer as it is the ‘right time to undertake a new challenge’.
The Spaniard, who joined Manchester United in 2011, had been in talks with the club over a new deal for several months.
But a contract extension failed to materialise, meaning De Gea ends his United career with 545 appearances and a record 190 clean sheets.
De Gea’s current and former team-mates have been quick to congratulate him on a brilliant Premier League career, with Mata saying he ‘doesn’t want to believe’ the 32-year-old will not be at Old Trafford next season.
‘I don’t really want to believe it,’ the ex-Manchester United midfielder posted on social media. ‘The amount of times that you saved us…
‘Always professional, always sticking up for the club you love, your home. You deserve the best. Sad day for Manchester United. Legend.’
Rashford, meanwhile, said: ‘You were here from my breakthrough, good luck with your next step brother.’
De Gea has been a mainstay at Manchester United for over a decade but he was inconsistent last season, attracting criticism for some high-profile mistakes despite winning the Golden Glove award
Confirming his departure from the Premier League giants, De Gea said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag added: ‘It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for this club.
‘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.’
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