David de Gea Confirms Manchester United Exit After 12 Years with Club, Thanks Fans

Longtime Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea announced Saturday that he is leaving the club following a 12-year stint.

The 32-year-old Spaniard revealed the news on Twitter and took the opportunity to thank Manchester United's fans for their support:

De Gea's contract with United expired at the end of the 2022-23 season, and the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new deal.

In 2008, de Gea broke into the professional ranks with Atlético Madrid B before getting moved up to Atlético Madrid's top squad the following season and remaining there for two years.

Following the retirement of legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in 2011, the Red Devils targeted de Gea and ultimately landed him on a transfer deal.

That move proved to be a great one for both de Gea and United as he went on to enjoy 12 fruitful seasons with arguably the most famous club in the world.

Manchester United have struggled in recent years to achieve their past greatness, but de Gea did lead them to an Premier League title in 2013. Additionally, de Gea played a role in United winning the 2011, 2013 and 2016 Community Shield, 2015-16 FA Cup, 2016-17 EFL Cup and 2016-17 UEFA Europa League.

Additionally, de Gea twice won the Premier League Golden Glove as the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets, including last season when he posted 17 shutouts.

Overall, de Gea had 148 clean sheets in 415 EPL starts with Manchester United, making him one of the most successful goalkeepers in club history.

The four-time Manchester United Player of the Year will leave a United team that finished third in the EPL last season, and while it is unclear where de Gea is heading next, his shoes won't be easy to fill at Old Trafford.