Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard has affirmed that the Red Devils will always be in his heart after his departure from Old Trafford.
On Wednesday evening, Man United confirmed that the 29-year-old would depart on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.
Lingard had fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but was primed to reignite his career after recording nine goals and five assists during a six-month loan spell with West Ham United last year.
However, Lingard's fortunes at his parent club did not improve before or after Solskjaer's sacking, with Ralf Rangnick also overlooking the England international throughout the term.
The attacker did make a total of 22 appearances throughout the 2021-22 season - recording two goals and one assist in the process - but he was only a bit-part player in the Premier League.
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Lingard made two starts against Liverpool and Norwich City but only earned a total of 355 top-flight minutes, with 14 further league appearances coming from the substitutes bench.
The former Hammers loanee did not appear in any of United's final four games of the Premier League season, but he has nevertheless posted a heartfelt message to supporters ahead of the next chapter in his career.
"Born and bred a red. Over the last few weeks, I've been emotional about leaving a club that is family," Lingard wrote on social media after his 21-year stint with the Red Devils came to an end.
"After 22 years I've had so many special memories and moments that I will cherish forever. @ManUtd will always remain in my heart. A massive thank you. Lots of love Jlingz ❤️"
Lingard leaves Man United having made 232 appearances for his boyhood club since joining in 2001, registering 35 goals and 21 assists in the process.
Born and bred a red. Over the last few weeks, I've been emotional about leaving a club that is family. After 22 years I've had so many special memories and moments that I will cherish forever. @ManUtd will always remain in my heart. A massive thank you. Lots of love Jlingz ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PJyglJBsNk
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) June 1, 2022
The attacker helped United win the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League and Community Shield between 2016 and 2017, scoring the winner against Crystal Palace in the 2015-16 FA Cup final.
Lingard also came up with important goals in the EFL Cup final against Southampton and Community Shield win over Leicester City, while his West Ham exploits helped him break back into the England setup in 2021.
West Ham are still thought to be interested in welcoming Lingard back to the London Stadium for the 2022-23 season, while clubs in Italy have also been tipped to battle for his signature after Newcastle United's failed January pursuit.
Lingard follows a plethora of players out of the door at Old Trafford this summer, with Edinson Cavani, Lee Grant, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic also leaving the club.
Juan Mata's departure as a free agent was also confirmed on Thursday morning, while the likes of Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Dean Henderson, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly are all candidates to be sold.
Ben Knapton
