A long-time member of the youth setup at Premier League giants Manchester United has, on Thursday, bid the club an emotional farewell.
The player in question? Zidane Iqbal.
For those not aware, Iqbal has been on the books on the red half of Manchester since all the way back in 2012.
Once viewed as one of the standout talents in the Red Devils’ academy, however, the now-20-year-old never quite managed to make the breakthrough at senior level so many had hoped for.
Zidane Iqbal vs Liverpool (45 minute cameo).
Very tidy performance from the 19-year-old. Played in midfield vs Fabinho, Thiago & Keita. #mufc #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/9nSgvfDPhj
— academyarena Utd (@academyarenaUTD) July 12, 2022
In turn, it perhaps should not have come as a massive surprise when word was forthcoming earlier this week that Dutch outfit Utrecht had struck an agreement with their counterparts at Old Trafford, to bring Iqbal to the Eredivisie as part of a €1 million deal.
And, as alluded to above, late on Thursday, the Iraq international himself has confirmed his imminent United exit.
“Emotions often cannot be expressed in words, however, I will try my best,” the midfielder began.
“Manchester United has been my home since I was five years old. Alongside my family, this club has developed me into the person that I am today.
“From the Cliff to Carrington then to the Theatre of Dreams, I have so many incredible memories of my fifteen years associated with this amazing club.
“I have had the opportunity to play with so many teammates that I will now always call friends, and worked with coaches who always supported me in so many different ways.
“There are too many people to thank. Kitmen, physios, teachers, chiefs, nutritionists, security staff, coaches and everyone else in between, they’ve all played their role in making me the player that I am today.
“They know who they are and know how much they mean to me and my family. We’ll be forever grateful.
“The time is right to go and take on a new challenge. It is one that I cannot wait for and I’ll be applying myself with the same level of desire, determination and dedication that has taken me this far in my career.
“This is a perfect opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.”
Zidane Iqbal announces he’s leaving Manchester United. 🚨🔴👋🏻 #MUFC
He’s joining Dutch side Utrecht on €1m deal plus sell-on clause. pic.twitter.com/3MMQMqx1aV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
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