Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea has announced his departure from Manchester United, ending a 12-year stay during which he won several trophies and personal accolades to cement his place as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s history.
Since joining Atlético Madrid in 2011, David has made 545 appearances for Manchester United with 190 clean sheets – both club records for a goalkeeper.
He won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League and two Carabao Cups.
His honours include two Premier League Golden Glove awards, a record four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards (voted by fans), and four Player’s Player of the Year awards.
The club manager, Erik Ten Hag, paid an emotional 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 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.”
John Murtough, Football Director, said:
“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.”
