Audio By Carbonatix
Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea said "it's the right time to undertake a new challenge" as he confirmed he is leaving Manchester United this summer.
The 32-year-old was a free agent after his contract at the Old Trafford club ran out at the end of June.
De Gea has been at United for 12 years and his 545 appearances and 190 clean sheets are club records for a keeper.
"I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters," he wrote on social media.
De Gea started his career at Atletico Madrid but joined United for ÂŁ18.9m in 2011.
The announcement of his departure comes with United manager Erik ten Hag's side hopeful of concluding a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
De Gea added: "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."
It is understood the framework of a contract extension that had initially been agreed between United and De Gea was subsequently changed.
That led to both sides stepping back to reflect on the situation, and now this outcome.
De Gea, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, won the Premier League, FA Cup, Uefa Europa League and two Carabao Cups while at United.
He is a four-time United player of the year winner and claimed the Premier League Golden Glove for a second time last season as he kept 17 clean sheets.
"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," said Ten Hag.
Who will be United's next number one?
Simon Stone, BBC Sport
This news should not be viewed as meaning a deal for Inter Milan's Onana is imminent.
United have held positive initial discussions regarding the Cameroon international and are hopeful of a resolution.
However, a compromise will be needed on the price, with Ten Hag needing to determine his order of priorities given an obvious pressing need for a central striker.
Sources confirm negotiations with De Gea extended over several months, with United adamant no contract was ever formally offered to the former Spain international.
Since the end of the season, both sides have eventually decided the time is right to sever ties.
It leaves Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton as United's experienced goalkeeping options, with the latter likely to be in goal for Wednesday's opening pre-season game against Leeds in Oslo.
Latest Stories
-
Vice President launches Mfantsipim’s 150 years of shaping Ghana’s greatest mind
16 minutes -
I assure Otumfuo, Mahama will join him to commission KNUST Teaching Hospital by end of this year – Haruna Iddrisu
58 minutes -
Gov’t to roll out free special education for persons with disabilities from July 1 – Education Minister
1 hour -
“We used it to test our officiating officials’ readiness” – Bawah Fuseini after CAA Athletics event
2 hours -
Volleyball emerges as Ghana’s fastest rising sport
2 hours -
National Sports Fund needs strong leadership from the top – Administrator David Wuaku
2 hours -
JoySports Exclusive: Steve McLaren in talks with GFA after expressing interest in Black Stars job
2 hours -
Fire guts auto parts warehouse at Bubuashie, one fire officer injured
2 hours -
I owe my victory to coach Ofori Asare – Allotey after winning WBA Africa Gold Super Flyweight belt
2 hours -
Church of Pentecost supports over 2,000 BECE candidates in Obuasi with career guidance seminar
4 hours -
Brandon Asante and Coventry all but promoted to Premier League despite Sheffield Wednesday draw
4 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Late Kwartemaa strike downs Hearts in Tema
5 hours -
Ghana Faces Sierra Leone Moment as Prosecutorial Powers come under strain
5 hours -
Don’t consume fish or seafood from Tema Shipyard until further notice – FDA warns
5 hours -
Why volunteering might be Africa’s most underrated career accelerator
5 hours