Manchester United favourite Juan Mata sends emotional message as David de Gea reacts to career call

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has bid farewell to Turkish side Galatasaray with an emotional message.

The 35-year-old joined Galatasaray last summer after an eight-year spell with United came to an end. Mata had moved to Old Trafford in 2014 from Chelsea for a £37.1m transfer fee.

Mata went on to score 51 goals in 285 games for the Reds before bidding leaving the club last summer. He won the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.

Mata moved to Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray last summer after becoming a free agent, penning a one-year deal with the club. It proved to be a successful campaign as Galatasaray won the Turkish top flight title.

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But now Mata has confirmed he will be leaving the Turkish side this summer following the expiry of his contract with a lengthy Instagram post. He has thanked all those concerned with the Nef Stadium outfit after a season he has vowed he will never forget.

In response, Mata's good friend David de Gea has posted a heart emoji to the news. Former United team-mate Daley Blind has also reacted to the post with applause emojis.

"I am not sad because it ended, I am happy because it happened," Mata posted on his Instagram page. "To you, Cim Bom fans: I am so proud to be part of this family forever.

"The atmosphere that you create in our stadium and our away games is second to none, I can tell you that. It ALWAYS feels like we play at home. You are without a doubt one of the best fans in the world.

"Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for the love you’ve given me and my family everywhere: in the streets, in the stadium, in the training ground… You