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Anthony Martial has confirmed his departure from Manchester United in an emotional farewell message sent to the club’s loyal fans via social media.
Martial, who arrived in 2015 from AS Monaco as one of the biggest talents and prospects in world football, has now brought down the curtain on a nine-year spell at Old Trafford.
United agreed to pay up to £57.6m to secure his services. The club forked out £36m up front but three clauses worth around £7.2m each were inserted, hence driving the final price up.
The Frenchman made 317 appearances for the Red Devils and in that period, scored 90 goals and assisted a further 47.
He last lined up for United on December 9 when he played centre forward against Bournemouth in a 3-0 defeat. He was taken off in the 56th minute on that occasion.
Since then, Martial has been sidelined with an injury that ruled him out of action completely. He wasn’t even named in Erik ten Hag’s squad for the FA Cup final.
During United’s last home game of the 2023/24 campaign against Newcastle, Martial’s exit was obvious as he joined fellow countryman Raphael Varane in performing a lap of honour to say goodbye to the supporters.
It had been expected for some time that he would leave once his contract expired as there was little chance of United offering him an extension or even triggering the option to keep him around for an additional 12 months.
Martial took to Instagram and posted a video of his best moments in a United shirt.
He also wrote, “Dear Manchester United fans, It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye. After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.”
“Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honour of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! You have been an unwavering support, through the good times and the difficult. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.”
“I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.”
“I would also like to express my gratitude to all my team-mates, technical staff and all the members of the club I have met during my 9 years here. I am proud to have been able to share these experiences with you.”
“Manchester United will always be in my heart. This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I’m leaving to take on new challenges, I’ll always be a Red Devil and I’ll continue to follow the club’s results with passion.”
“Thank you again for everything, and see you soon.”
“With all my affection,”
“Anthony Martial”
While it’s still unfortunate to see Martial leave without having played more in his last season, a parting of ways was certainly long overdue.
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