David De Gea remains without a club over a year after his Manchester United departure and has sent a message to one of his former teammates after choosing to retire from football
David de Gea has put club rivalry aside to send Thiago Alcantara a heartfelt message.
The former Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33. The decision comes just a month after he left Anfield at the end of his contract.
He took to social media with an emotional message confirming his retirement. Taking to Instagram, Thiago wrote: “I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it. Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon, Thiago.”
De Gea was among those to respond to that post. The former Manchester United goalkeeper wrote: “What a player,” with an applause and red heart emoji.
De Gea was previously a teammate of Thiago for the Spanish national team. The midfielder made his final appearance for the side back in 2021, while De Gea has not appeared for his country in four years.
The goalkeeper was not the only one to send a message after Thiago’s announcement. Liverpool’s social media posted “Midfield magician. All the best in your retirement”, before a host of his former Anfield colleagues did the same.
Alexis Mac Allister wrote: “I’ll stay wanting to play next to you but some drills were enough to see what you’re capable of with a soccer ball up close. Thank you for everything you gave to football and good luck in this new stage of your life!”
Darwin Nunez also said: “Thanks for everything brother! The soccer world will miss you. Best wishes to you and your family.”
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As well as De Gea, a number of other Spanish players also put their club allegiances aside. Former Real Madrid duo Isco and Lucas Vazquez also gave their well-wishes as emojis in the comments of Thiago’s post.
The former midfielder has yet to reveal what the next chapter of his career holds but it appears that he is edging towards a return to his former club Barcelona. According to The Athletic, Hansi Flick has met with him to discuss a coaching role in Catalonia.
The German is keen to have Thiago as a member of his coaching staff and the former Liverpool midfielder will now apparently consider the proposal. He graduated from the club’s famed La Masia academy and went on to make over 100 appearances for the first team.
Thiago won four league titles at the Camp Nou, as well as the Champions League before a move to join Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich. He added seven Bundesliga titles to his collection, as well as another European crown.
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