David De Gea’s Manchester United career is over (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag says David De Gea will go down as ‘one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the club’ following his departure from Manchester United.

The Spaniard confirmed via his Twitter page on Saturday afternoon that he had left Old Trafford following 12 years at the club.

De Gea’s contract expired last week but he remained in talks with United over an extension.

However, the two parties have decided to go their separate ways with United now set to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan.

It’s a brave call from Ten Hag to get rid of De Gea, given he won the Golden Glove last season by keeping 17 clean sheets in the Premier League.

But Ten Hag insists De Gea will forever be remembered as a United legend.

De Gea spent 12 years at Old Trafford (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

‘It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United,’ said Ten Hag.

‘To do it 545 times over 12 years is a special achievement, particularly in the goalkeeping position where every game puts you in the spotlight.

‘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.

‘I am personally grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution on the pitch during my first year at the club. All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career.’

MORE : David de Gea confirms his Manchester United career is over

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The end of an era….