Anthony Martial announces his departure from Manchester United
Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has announced his departure from Old Trafford, according to confirmed reports. The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of this season and with the club’s hierarchy choosing not to renew his contract, he is expected to leave the club after nine years of service.
Signed for Manchester United in September 2015, Anthony Martial joined the club at the age of 19 for a record fee. The deal was worth around £36 million, making him the most expensive teenager in football history at that time. He made a good start to life at Old Trafford, scoring a brilliant solo goal on his debut against arch-rivals Liverpool.
The striker, a 30-time French international, remained a key player for the Red Devils in subsequent seasons. His best individual campaign came in 2019-20 when he finished as the club’s top scorer with 23 goals and won the Player of the Year award.
As reported by the Manchester United website, the French striker is expected to leave the Théâtre des Rêves after his contract expires this summer. The striker will leave on a free transfer after staying at the club for 9 years. Anthony Martial announced his departure from United on Instagram with an open letter to fans:
“Dear Manchester United fans, It is 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 my arrival in 2015, I have had the immense honor of wearing this jersey and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! You have been an unwavering support, through good times and through difficult times. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain forever engraved in my heart.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to all my teammates, the technical staff and all the members of the club that 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 marked my career and gave me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I’m leaving to take on new challenges, I will always be a Red Devil and I will continue to follow the club’s results with passion. Thanks again for everything, and see you soon. With all my affection, Anthony Martial.
The 28-year-old has made 317 appearances for the Red Devils, racking up 90 goals and 47 assists (Stats via Transfermarkt). He has made just 19 appearances this campaign with just 7 starts in all competitions and has scored 2 goals.
The Frenchman was a key member of the United side that won the Europa League in 2017 under Jose Mourinho. He also won an FA Cup, 2 Carabao Cups and a Community Shield as a Red. However, he missed out on another FA Cup trophy as he was nursing a groin injury and did not feature in United’s squad for their 2–1 FA Cup final victory over Man City.
Anthony’s Martial Skillspic.twitter.com/uyXo28vW8d
– InfoBall (@infoball07) April 1, 2024
The France international had been a crucial first-team player under Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, in recent years he has not been as involved with the team as before due to injuries. Inconsistencies and injuries kept him from fulfilling his true potential, if not what a player he could have been, one of the best.
Anthony Martial’s next possible destination
The Frenchman previously spoke about Thierry Henry and his affection for Arsenal. In 2018, while playing for the Red Devils, he openly revealed his love for the Gunners due to their links with French players. There could be an outside chance of joining Mikel Arteta’s side, but it seems highly unlikely.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan have expressed interest in signing the striker, according to reports. Following his departure from United, Anthony Martial could join San Siro as a free agent. But as of now, there is no concrete information about his next destination.
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Manchester United fans will remember him as a skilled striker, able to take on defenders and dribble past them with ease. He had a soft right foot that could produce the most glorious curls and will be remembered as a player gifted in link-up play and a naturally talented footballer.
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