Matthijs de Ligt addresses Bayern Munich fans’ petition to keep him after Man United move

Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Manchester United has been announced and many Bayern Munich fans are not happy about the deal.

De Ligt, 25, moved to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 and quickly became an integral player under Julian Nagelsmann.

The young German manager was then replaced by Thomas Tuchel towards the back end of that season, and De Ligt fell slightly out of favour under the former Chelsea boss.

Still managing to make 73 appearances over the two seasons, De Ligt’s sale to United is something that many Bavarians are not in agreement with.

A petition for Bayern to keep the defender has reached over 70,000 signatures, and De Ligt has admitted that he has been ‘touched’ by those efforts.

The 25-year-old defender has released a statement on Instagram ahead of his Old Trafford move and addressed his departure from the Allianz Arena.

“Dear Bayern fans, I want to thank each and every one of you for all your love and support,” he wrote.

“I have spent two amazing years playing for this beautiful club. It has been a true honour to have played for a club like Bayern Munich.

“We have achieved unforgettable moments together. Winning the title as well as several amazing CL-nights. These memories will stay with me forever.”

“This is why leaving this club feels bittersweet. I will always remember the love and support I have received from the players, the staff members and from the fans.

“The recent petition signed by so many of you has touched me deeply.

Thank you all for the two amazing years. I wish FC Bayern good luck winning many more titles, like Bayern has always done.”

De Ligt is expected to be available for United’s opening Premier League game of the season against Fulham this Friday.

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