Iqbal's emotional post as he departs United
Zidane Iqbal has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Manchester United family, ahead of his proposed move to a new club this summer.
While his move remains subject to registration and international clearance, the Iraq midfielder has taken the opportunity to thank team-mates, staff and supporters, having been with the Reds for 15 years.
After rising through the Academy ranks, Zidane made his first-team debut in a home Champions League game against Swiss club Young Boys in December 2021.
Although that proved to be his only competitive appearance in the senior side, Iqbal regularly trained with Erik ten Hag's squad and he started both of the friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis during the mid-season trip to Spain.
After rising through the Academy ranks, Zidane made his first-team debut in a home Champions League game against Swiss club Young Boys in December 2021.
Although that proved to be his only competitive appearance in the senior side, Iqbal regularly trained with Erik ten Hag's squad and he started both of the friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis during the mid-season trip to Spain.
My Story: I look back with a smile Video
My Story: I look back with a smile
Zidane Iqbal takes part in our My Story series as he recalls his path to breaking into the senior squad...
In a deeply personal message posted on his Instagram account this evening, Iqbal said of his imminent departure: "Emotions often cannot be expressed in words, however I will try my best.
"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 and then to the Theatre Of Dreams (OT), I have so many incredible memories of my fifteen years associated with this amazing club."
"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 and then to the Theatre Of Dreams (OT), I have so many incredible memories of my fifteen years associated with this amazing club."
The 20-year-old continued: "I have had the opportunity to play with so many team-mates, 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, chefs, 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.
"There are too many people to thank. Kitmen, physios, teachers, chefs, 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.
'I'm pushing every day to reach my potential'
ArticleZidane Iqbal explains how he has remained on course to fulfil his dreams at United.
"The Academy is a special place that makes dreams come true for so many.
"That was certainly the case for me. I’ll never forget standing on the touchline at Theatre Of Dreams (OT), waiting to come on for my debut. That feeling of pride will live with me forever.
"Representing Manchester United in Europe is one of the biggest honours you can have in your career. People don’t realise the amount of work and dedication that goes into achieving a debut and living out your dream.
"That was certainly the case for me. I’ll never forget standing on the touchline at Theatre Of Dreams (OT), waiting to come on for my debut. That feeling of pride will live with me forever.
"Representing Manchester United in Europe is one of the biggest honours you can have in your career. People don’t realise the amount of work and dedication that goes into achieving a debut and living out your dream.
"The fans were amazing with me that day. You’ve always given such love and support to myself and my family. Trust me it did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
"I’ll always be a United fan and I’ll always love this football club.
"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."
Thank you, Zidane. Everyone at United wishes you the best of luck with your next club and in your future career.
"I’ll always be a United fan and I’ll always love this football club.
"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."
Thank you, Zidane. Everyone at United wishes you the best of luck with your next club and in your future career.
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