MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Veteran goalkeeper David de Gea has announced he is leaving Manchester United as a free agent after 12 seasons at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old's contract with United expired at the end of June, with no new deal agreed despite talks that took place throughout the season.
In a message on social media on Saturday, De Gea thanked United fans for their support but said: "Now, it's the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings."
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When De Gea's contract expired last Friday, United said they remained in talks with the Spain goalkeeper.
That followed reports that De Gea had signed a contract extension only for the club to withdraw that offer and come back with reduced terms.
United has been linked with a move for Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana.
De Gea wrote: "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."
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