Gracias, David de Gea: A letter from a fan to de Gea after he leaves

David de Gea is all set to leave Manchester United after a 12-year-long sting at Old Trafford

Hola, David de Gea

When the news came out that your contract was not getting extended and you are in talks with the Saudi Arabian club, it was not a complete shock. After all, you did for the club in the darkest of times, you do not deserve much more critical in the final few seasons.

When Sir Alex Ferguson signed you at the tender age of 19 from Atletico Madrid, there were big questions regarding you being able to fill the big boots of Edwin van der Sar. You just fitted into the playing XI without any difficulties. You had that club philosophy brooded before you entered Carrington.

In your second season, you played a humongous role in our last English Premier League title (2013). In 28 games, you had 12 cleansheets that played a pivotal role in the league title. What happened after that season for us as a club was not great. With the departure of Sir Alex, the dark clouds hovered.

Amidst the struggling times, you were one of the silver linings in the darkest cloud. Season after season, your performances proved pivotal to keep us relevant amongst the rivals. Your performances in the top flight helped us to secure successive European spots.

That performance against Arsenal in 2017 was one of the best performances by any shot-stopper in a game. Those 14 saves with nine of them demanding extreme reflexes truly defined your role for that campaign where we finished second. Similarly, that game where you deflected Layvin Kurzawa and Angel di Maria’s shots to keep us in the game against PSG where we staged an incredible comeback under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Though the attackers got the recognition, you were the silent hero of the game.

Those five PFA Team of the Year nominations, four Manchester United Player of the Year, three FIFA/FIFPro World XI nominees and two Premier League Golden Gloves underlined your passion for the game and a testament to your loyalty to the club even when the fax machine broke down in 2015.

As the football progressed, the strikers became the first line of defense whereas the goalkeeper became the first person to initiate the attack. Sadly, the team felt you were not letting them express themselves with your passing abilities and coming off the line. Though there were few glimpses, football is changing at a rapid pace.

For all the good work you have done for Manchester United, It is time for you to rest and rejuvenate before taking up the next challenge. We will continue to cheer for your success from Old Trafford and across the globe.

Adios,

A Manchester United fan

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