Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has announced his departure from the club, confirming that he will leave when his contract expires at the end of June. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who joined the Red Devils from AS Monaco in 2015, revealed his decision in a heartfelt message on Instagram on Monday.
Martial’s time at Old Trafford has been a mix of highs and lows. Over his nine-year tenure, he has made 317 appearances and scored 90 goals for Manchester United. Despite his contributions on the field, recent seasons have been challenging for the forward due to persistent injuries, which have kept him out of the squad for several months.
The news of his departure did not come as a surprise to many, as Martial’s absence from the team had been noticeable, especially during key matches. Most recently, he was not part of the squad that secured a 2-1 victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
In his farewell message, Martial expressed deep gratitude towards the fans and the club. “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,” he wrote on Instagram. He went on to acknowledge the unwavering support of the fans, saying, “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.”
Martial’s departure marks the end of an era for the forward, who arrived at Manchester United as a promising teenager. His debut season was particularly memorable, as he scored a stunning goal against Liverpool, quickly endearing himself to the United faithful. Over the years, Martial showed flashes of brilliance, but his progress was often hampered by injuries and inconsistent form.
His departure adds to a summer of significant changes at Manchester United. Earlier in May, French defender Raphael Varane also announced that he would be leaving the club. Varane’s exit, coupled with Martial’s, indicates a period of transition for the team as they look to rebuild and strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Martial’s future destination is yet to be confirmed, but there will likely be no shortage of interest from clubs across Europe. His technical ability, pace, and eye for goal make him an attractive prospect for many teams looking to bolster their attacking options.
As Manchester United bid farewell to one of their longest-serving players, the club and its supporters will reflect on Martial’s contributions and the memorable moments he provided. While his journey with the Red Devils comes to an end, Martial leaves behind a lasting memory.
The club is expected to make further announcements regarding their squad and potential new signings in the coming weeks as they prepare for the next chapter in their storied history. For Anthony Martial, the future holds new challenges and opportunities as he embarks on the next stage of his professional football career.