Zidane Iqbal bids emotional farewell on leaving Manchester United | OneFootball

Homegrown Manchester United starlet Zidane Iqbal took to social media to say goodbye to the Old Trafford fanbase ahead of his imminent departure for Utrecht.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Red Devils accepted the Dutch side’s €1 million bid for the 20-year-old earlier this week.

Despite showing plenty of promise while moving through the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams, Iqbal is set to embark on a new adventure outside Manchester.

Erik ten Hag’s unpreparedness to give the Iraq international a real first-team opportunity last season probably influenced the Red Devils’ decision to part with the talented youngster.

Iqbal joined Man Utd when he was five, but after spending 15 years at the club, his time in England has expired as he used social media to send a heartwarming message to the fans.

“Emotions often cannot be expressed in words, however, I will try my best,” Iqbal wrote on Instagram.

“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.”