'Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me'

DAVID de Gea has confirmed he has left United after his contract expired last week. 

- SAMUE LUCKHURST

The 32-year-old wrote on his social media channels: “I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters. 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 everytime 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.