Manchester United star confirms he is leaving club in emotional message to fans

Anthony Martial has confirmed he will leave Manchester United this summer as a free agent.

The 28-year-old will depart the club once his current contract expires next month after a nine-year spell at Old Trafford. Martial arrived from Monaco in 2015 for an initial fee of £36 million, making it the highest fee paid for a teenager in football history at the time.

He was a popular figure among United supporters but saw his time at the club ravaged by injury, particularly in later years where he was regularly sidelined by injury. Martial missed out on a place in the FA Cup final squad against Man City due to his latest injury setback, meaning his last appearance for the club came in the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth earlier in the year.

Taking to social media on Monday evening, the French forward penned a farewell message to supporters: "Dear Manchester United fans, 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.

"Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honour of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! 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. I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to all my team-mates, technical staff and all the members of the club 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 has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you.

"I'm leaving to take on new challenges, I'll always be a Red Devil and I'll continue to follow the club's results with passion. Thank you again for everything, and see you soon. With all my affection, Anthony Martial."